It’s that time of year in America. Families gather to give thanks for the bounties in our lives. We share in festivities. We reminisce on the year(s) past.
As I look back , I do so with mixed emotion. For the most part , I have much to be grateful for. I have the 4 4 things that I consider essential in my life. God. A roof over my head. Clothes on my back. And food on my table. To me, everything else is icing on the cake. Of course, icing makes everything better! I have a loving wife who knows the meaning of “in sickness and in health” and “til death do you part”. I have 3 wonderful children who make me proud every day. I have to add, I have 2 weenie dogs that bring a smile to my face every day. I am sure my wife is rolling her eyes. They’re my buddies !!
I am grateful that I have another Thanksgiving to celebrate. Grateful to be in good enough health to enjoy the celebration. I’m thankful that everyone who was here with us last year is with us this year. I am grateful for the new friends that ALS has brought into our lives.
There is another face to my holidays. Always lingering in the back of my mind, is the thought. The thought that my days are likely dwindling. The measure of my lifetime is now on ALS time. In a natural life frame , I could likely say I still have about as many days ahead of me as behind. ALS frame, my days are on the short side. Grim reality, but it is reality , nonetheless.
Regardless, I do my best to look beyond it. I acknowledge it and never dismiss the thought. But I see the plenty in my life and that carries me. As difficult as it may be , take a moment and reflect on the instances in your life to be grateful for.