Another Day of Thanks
I watched half a slideshow last night. My brother and niece are down from New York for a visit and they brought four carousels of old slides with them. My sister came up from Atlanta. My son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids came over. We had pizza and watched the slides of times long past. We got through two carousels of pictures last night before we decided it was time for bed.
I’m a hermit at heart–I enjoy my solitude–but it’s nice to be reminded that there’s a whole world full of people I call family and folks I call friend that I love connecting with. I share a past with so many wonderful people that I hold in my heart and want to keep in my present and future.
I’m so happy to be here for another day of life and I’m thankful for all of you I get to share it with.
I’m thankful for random sprinkler systems and for having a niece who suggests we stop the car on our way home from picking up pizza so we can get out and run through one of them.
I’m thankful for my siblings, the people whose DNA most closely resembles my own, who I’ve shared this journey with in the deepest, most meaningful way.
I‘m thankful for the families we shared our childhood with, like the Dooleys (some of whom are in the picture above), the Hunkeles and the Frenches. Our parents and siblings were often interchangeable and even though we’re spread out far and wide, our lives will forever be entwined.
I’m thankful for the continuity of the generations, that life marches on.
I’m thankful for my time on this crazy planet and all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of sharing it with.
Looking back over it all, I’m thankful that there’s not a thing I would want to change.
I’m thankful that my dad (I assume) took the time to preserve these memories for us. (That’s me and two of my sisters on the Lake Champlain ferry between New York and Vermont)
I am thankful for the neighborhood I grew up in and the kids on the block, for the block parties, for our childhood escapades, for the friendships.
I’m thankful for all the people–family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, total strangers–who have enriched my life.
Thanks for the memories…
Please feel free to comment and share with anyone you think might enjoy it…
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What wonderful memories of your life as a youngster.
I am thankful for my life that GOD gave me, my family, my friends (especially you). You have been an amazing part of my life and I thank you so much for being there for me through thick and thin. We worked together for many years and became the best of friends. I love you buddy and love you so much. Thank you.
Oh, Lynn! I also am so grateful to have you for a friend! We are a pair, aren’t we? It was a lucky day for me when I met you. You’re one of the people who made it fun to come to work and made work feel like play. I appreciate having you in my life!
Love this! I Love you and the Lester Family! Cheers!
I love you too, the Lester family loves you, and I love the Dooley family! Thanks, glad you enjoyed!
I did a lot of thinking while we visited. Normally, I could easily list dozens of people and things I’m thankful for. But in those moments, in that place I could sum it all up with five words…”when my heart is home”. It’s not a physical address, a state or town – I was 849 miles from where I live. But for that time, my heart was home.
When my heart is home… It’s a feeling. It’s a rare, special kind of love. It’s understanding, acceptance and peace. It’s where you can truly let down every barrier you have built around your heart and in your mind. It’s sharing memories with the only other people in the world who cherish them as much as you do. It’s laughing, crying, reminiscing and hugs – the best hugs! It’s being surrounded by people who are so strongly bonded – despite time or distance – that they can still finish each other’s sentences.
My heart was home, surrounded by my family, looking at old slides of my great-grandparents and the generations that followed.
My heart was home as we pulled into a random parking lot to run through the sprinklers like carefree children on a hot Georgia afternoon.
My heart was home as I drank homemade sweet tea and ate red chocolate cake that my Aunt made from my Mema’s recipe. (Mema would approve – it was AMAZING).
When your heart is home, it’s freedom. Freedom from all the things that bind you in life – fear, sadness, judgement, anger, anxiety, hurt – and the list goes on.
When your heart is home the love is pure. It’s sincere and unconditional. It’s loyal, honest and infinite.
I will always cherish the days when my heart is home <3
Sarah, that was beautiful. You absolutely made me cry. I love that phrase–When my heart is home. That says it all. And I cherish the memory of running through the sprinklers together…it was awesome fun! My heart was home too! Love you sweet girl!
P.S. I printed out your comment last night and left it for Michael to read. When I got home from work today, he said it was really good and it made him cry. He’s looking forward to your next visit.
P.P.S. Last night we were talking about your comment again and Michael said it just made him want to give you a big hug! We’ll be awaiting your next visit with an abundance of hugs!
Awe! Thank you both so much again. I can’t wait for those hugs. I love you both beyond words ❤
My plan for your return: Great big hugs, go find a sprinkler! I love you morther!
Oh my Peanut, YOU are the light of my life. Where did that wisdom come from? I know its not from me or your mother, it has to be from all the time you got to spend with Mema and Papa
Sarah, you so eloquently put into words the feeling in my heart when I’m with all of you. I long for the times “my heart is home”.
I wish that each and every person on this planet could experience the serenity and peace that comes with their heart being home. It makes me sad to think that there are people out there that have never had that privilege.