Thankful for life’s big — and small — blessings

By STACY WOLFORD
Managing Editor

On Thanksgiving, it’s customary to remember all the things that you’re thankful for. Of course, everyone always gives thanks for the big things — family, food, your health, your home – but we rarely think about all the little things that make life so good.

I know we’ve all heard it before: We should be thankful every day. But are we?

And what does it mean to be thankful? And how in the world should we feel thankful even when life throws us hurdle after hurdle?

On Thursday, while many of us gather with our families and friends, others will sit alone, wondering if they’ll hear from a loved one. Those of us estranged from our loved ones, or those who have lost someone dear to them, will mask our sadness with a smile, stuff our faces with food, and try to carry on as normal. What about those on the streets, with no place to call home, let alone enough food to eat? Are they giving thanks today?

It’s up to each of us to know when is the time to give thanks and for what. But if you truly think about it, we all do have things that we should appreciate, blessings in our lives, however small.

Being thankful doesn’t need to look like a photo of your family taken in a field wearing your coordinated flannel shirts while the sun sets in the background.

Genuine gratitude doesn’t need to look like a life prepared to impress social media. Just being grateful for the small things is enough. And it isn’t fake and it isn’t forced.

During our day-to-day routines, we often forget to take in and appreciate the silent, peaceful moments, where words truly can’t do it justice. Watching the vibrant pink sunrise paint the morning sky and taking in all of the sun’s breathtaking splendor as it dips below the horizon, or appreciating those perfectly sunny days with a slight breeze and no humidity — those are the moments when I remember the beauty of the world.

It’s the small, unspoken moments at home I’m thankful for. Every morning my love, Joel, brings me my coffee, perfectly made just the way I like it. He brings me flowers on days when I am struggling or sometimes just because. Our three dogs, Red, Rudy and Tootsie, who truthfully rule our lives, bring us constant laughter, happiness and unconditional love.

I’m so thankful for meaningful conversations and laughter with my family and friends — the people in my small circle who pick me up and remind me that I am loved.

I am thankful for so many wonderful memories of Thanksgivings past, the days when my table was full of laughter, love and chaos. It’s the funny memories that become part of the family-tradition conversations — the time my Mom tracked the only pile of doggy doo in my yard all through the house, when I spilled a whole tray of green bean casserole in the oven, and listening to my Uncle Harry tell stories of our relatives and their crazy holiday shenanigans. How I miss those days, but I am so thankful I have those memories.

I’m also grateful for the new memories. For the past four years, I have helped our family at Rich’s Parkside Den in little Boston prepare a free Thanksgiving dinner. While we stress out at times, we’ve created some great memories along the way. There is always a mishap (I dropped a tray of deviled eggs a few years ago that still makes me laugh!), but it’s the time together that makes the day special.

I’m even grateful for exhaustion — the kind that comes after a long day of mind-bending work — because it means I’ve given my best. And as much as I complain about being tired, I know I’d miss it if it were gone. I am so thankful I have been able to spend my career doing what I love — writing and creating a daily newspaper — and for being able to capture fleeting moments and turn them into something that lasts. Telling the stories of our neighbors in the Mon Valley has been a joy of my life for 30 years. I am so thankful for that — and for my coworkers — past and present — and our dear readers for supporting us over the years.

Yes, in these days of financial hardships, political turmoil and social division just about everywhere, trying to feel thankful can seem impossible. But it helps. The little things — they do exist. Though it may take a moment to remember them and take a moment to stop and appreciate them. Or maybe even be the one who gives someone that moment. You never know how much the person at the other end needs it.

Life isn’t always what you want it to be. But it is what you make of it.

Feeling thankful doesn’t mean you’re satisfied, or even happy on those dark days. It doesn’t mean the journey’s over.

It just means you’re enjoying the ride and the people and blessings along the way.

So, enjoy the turkey, thank the cooks, offer to help clean up, squeeze in a nap if you can, and count your blessings this Thanksgiving and every day.

Stacy Wolford is managing editor at the Mon Valley Independent. She can be reached at swolford@yourmvi. com.