For You I Am Thankful

[MartyT]

Dear Ones,

On this Thanksgiving Day ~ and throughout the holiday season ~ please know that I am thinking of you, and giving thanks for each and every one of you.

For That, I Am Thankful

by Darcie Sims

It doesn't seem to get any better ~

but it doesn't get any worse either.

For that, I am thankful.

There are no more pictures to be taken ~

but there are memories to be cherished.

For that, I am thankful.

There is a missing chair at the table ~

but the circle of family gathers close.

For that, I am thankful.

The turkey is smaller ~

but there is still stuffing.

For that, I am thankful.

The days are shorter ~

but the nights are softer.

For that, I am thankful.

The pain is still there ~

but it lasts only moments.

For that, I am thankful.

The calendar still turns, the holidays still appear ~

And they still cost too much ~

but I am still here.

For that, I am thankful.

The room is still empty, the soul still aches ~

but the heart remembers.

For that, I am thankful.

The guests still come, the dishes pile up ~

but the dishwasher still works.

For that, I am thankful.

The name is still missing, the words still unspoken ~

but the silence is shared.

For that, I am thankful.

The snow still falls, the sled still waits,

and the spirit still wants to ~

For that, I am thankful.

The stillness remains ~

but the sadness is smaller.

For that, I am thankful.

The moment is gone ~

but the love is forever.

For that, I am blessed.

For that, I am grateful ~

Love was once (and still is)

a part of my being ~

For that, I am living.

I am living ~

and for that, I am thankful.

May your holidays be filled with reasons to be thankful.

Having loved and having been loved is perhaps the most wondrous reason of all.

© 1992 by Darcie D. Sims and © 2001 Bereavement Publications, Inc., 1-888-604-4673. Used with permission of the publisher.

[niamh]

We don't have Thanksgiving but I've never been more conscious of it than this year.

I will be thinking of all of you who do have it and I hope that you will each make it through as best you can, I know it's a very very hard time for so many.

sending love, comfort and a million thanks to each of you,

Niamh

[sunstreet]

Thank you Marty. I want again to express my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude for you. Life, compassion, understanding, and wisdom exude from you. Bless you for the work you do. What a wonderful poem.

Thank you, Carol Ann

[Mrs. B]

Marty,What a wonderful poem. Last night i attend my second Christmas memorial candle lighting service. I asked my mother in law if she would come with me and she said no but that was the answer that i expected but i though it would be nice for her to attend. But I am thankful that my mother came with me. It was hard but easier then last year. For that I am thankful. While the names of the remember were being called and each went up to light the candle a name came up that I hadn't heard from in years. It was a a best friend of mine that i had through public and high school. She was lighting a candle in memory of her husband and mother that she lost just before Christmas last year. I am thankful i still have my mother. Not to say that i am terrified of losing my parents because they have been my strength. As I went up to speak to her after the service she also thought it was me but wasn't sure. She has diabetes and can not drive any more. Has kidney dialysis 3 x a week and is on a donor list. I have my health for that i am thankful. But I am going to make it a priority to go visit this old friend and am thankful that she will be back in my life and i can call her friend. Again lovely poem. Thank you Mrs.B

[STARKISS]

Hi Marty, I am so grateful for everything you have done for each and everyone of us,I loved the poem... Thanks Marty and thanks to everyone who has helped you make this site... Shelley