Every morning, I rise and shuffle to the scale to check my weight…not sure that’s smart; certainly, it’s a bit obsessive but I’m fighting to keep off those extra pounds. I still do the intermittent fasting twice a week and try to limit the other days to 1000 calories. You’d think I’d be a skinny Minnie but, alas, I’m not.
Next, I head to the coffee maker to make my allotted coffee intake with raw sugar and almond milk and sit down with my mug. The same mug I’ve used for about twenty years now. It has a new age-y heart on it and it says, “The Grateful Heart.” You probably think that sounds cheesy and maybe it is, but it speaks to me.
I found this mug in a shop in Rhode Island amidst a myriad of crystals and spiritual books and angel pins. Twenty years ago, I was newly widowed, raising teenagers and struggling to be an effective school principal. It’s not a job I recommend for anyone who ever wants to hear good news.
That mug became a symbol for me….remember the positives, don’t let your heart get bogged down, lift yourself up. I’m not one to write in a grateful journal daily, but when I lay my head down, I focus on the beauty of the day.
“Tis the season, isn’t it? The season of giving thanks and, heaven knows, my blessings are countless. So, I thought I might share a few.
Thankful that I can travel to spend a few days with those beautiful grandchildren and add to our treasure trove of family memories. How heartwarming to see my son, Justin, giving chess lessons to two of his nephews, ages 5 and 11. Will (11) and Reese (8), the two older grandchildren, entertained their two younger cousins, Kevin (5) and Brendan (3) for two days, never tiring, never complaining, thinking up new games and even turning away friends so they could play with them.
Thankful that four of my high school girlfriends get together every other year for a beach reunion for a few days. This year we met up on Captiva Island, south of Sanibel Island in southwest Florida. Our entertainment included seeing the Florida Repertory Theatre production of “Steel Magnolias,” which, of course, we all consider ourselves. There were dolphins entertaining us on the beach for a few hours….literally, we could’ve walked out to swim with them.
There was a boat trip to Cabbage Key for lunch at the old inn there. Now, that was seriously old Florida! Cabbage Key, a small island, purchased for $2500 is now still almost completely undeveloped. The original house and several cottages were built in the '30s and the current owners have taken great care to preserve its unique charm. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the old inn daily. You can only get there by boat or water taxi. No cars allowed, only a few golf carts for transportation.
One of those friends, I’ve known since I was seven years old…we were both raised in very conservative families in rural Florida but, somehow, we managed to become very independent women and true flaming liberals. Her son-in-law is on Nancy Pelosi’s staff. I kid you not.
In fact, four out of five are liberals with a capital L, but who could not wear that L proudly in the age of Trump.
The best part of these reunions are the conversations on the screened in porches or rooftop decks with our glasses of wine. There’s a lot to talk about after two years! No noses buried in cell phones.
One thing I am most grateful for is that my friend, Kerry, has been accepted to the Mayo Clinic for treatment and surgery for pancreatic cancer. There is a doctor there who has been very successful in treating Stage III pan-can, including performing highly complicated surgery. I had lunch with her a few weeks ago. Now, that is a conversation not for sissies. When we talk, we go there. Yes, we cry, but it’s also uplifting. I adore that woman!
Thankful for my family, overflowing with warmth and love. Thankful for overall good health. Thankful for my mind, which thanks to reading, writing, playing bridge and good genes continues to function pretty well. Thankful to my partner, BH, who keeps me close, safe and entertained.
Thankful to this country that sent a clear message on election day that honesty, decency, and democratic values are not dead. Thank you. My heart overflows.
