It's a beautiful Thanksgiving day here in San Diego, though I think it would be a beautiful Thanksgiving no matter where we were or what the weather was like.
That's because .... for the first Thanksgiving since Jim died .... I am happy .... I am content .... I am thankful.
Not that I don't continue to wish that things were different .... and that Jim was still alive. That will never change.
But I am learning to move forward and to be thankful for what, and who, I do have.
I'm learning to be happy and content with my new "normal", for however long it lasts.
And I'm thankful that I'm able to touch the lives of other widows and to let them know that they are not alone.
And .... that happiness and thankfulness can return.
And, that while death does indeed suck, our lives can move forward as we continue to live in honor of our spouses.
So on this day when we ponder the things that we're thankful for .... I want to let you ALL (family, friends, commenters, lurkers, and yes, even stalkers) know .... that i am thankful for you,
Thank you for your love and support and constant encouragement. Thank you to those of you who let me know that my words have touched, or even helped, you.
Thank you for helping me to know that Jim's death has helped me to do good.
That I haven't wasted this part of my life and everything, good ....and bad ..... lots and lots of bad .... that I've experienced.
Thank you for being part of the good, Peeps.
And Happy Thursday.
:)
8 comments:
Janine,
I am looking forward to the day when I might be happy and thankful once again. I do know that I am thankful for my family and friends, and for the new friends I have since John's death, but my thankfulness just isn't complete like it use to be when John was here with us. I don't know if that makes any sense to you, but if anyone gets it, you do. I am glad you are happy and taking steps forward in your life, although I know it is not the path you would have chosen. Hugs to you, Lorry
Lorry,
Of course it makes sense to me .... I totally get that. It just takes time. And, I think it also takes acceptance. I had to accept the fact that NOTHING will ever feel, or be, the same again. Then I could learn to move forward and start feeling better.
You're so right ..... I would have never, ever chosen this path. But I'm on it so I am choosing to live better and to continue to make Jim proud. But again, that choice took a very long time. I think you'll get there .... in your own time.
Love you.
Thank you for your message of hope. I read your blog regularly and wanted to tell you that many days it has helped me to not feel so alone. I appreciate and enjoy your honesty and humor. Thank you for for being there! Sandy/Ct.
Oops - I hope I'm not a stalker, I'm sure I've left a comment...
I'm newly widowed and recently discovered your blog, it's kind of reassuring that one day I may be in the same space you've got to.
It's wonderful to see you're having better days. I'm one of your peeps/ commenters.... certainly not a stalker :) I love your new look. I'm not sure if I've ever invited you to join my blog?.. if not send me a note and I'll add you in. I'm a dairy farm girl.You can follow along with our crazy life on the farm. Just e-mail me at goldwing_rider(at) hotmail(dot) com and include blog in the subject line. I'd love to have you join in and "meet" me
So very happy to read a blog that is SO upbeat, when I know that you struggle at the holidays. As usual, {{hugs}} to you from another gal who is walking this road. You have no idea how much you have helped me, plus others...
Sorry -- forgot to add that I am REALLY likin' your new blog presentation -- especially the photos across the banner!
So happy to read this Janine. Next year I hope I'll feel the same way about xmas. You've given me hope that I might! I hope you're still doing good. I'm thankful for YOU. Hugs, Boo xx
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