As yesterday was Thanksgiving in the US, I suppose I should have posted this yesterday, but I guess today is also a good day. My friend Jedda was asking us all one question yesterday, online, which was:
“What are you thankful for?”
Well, in truth, quite a lot really. But I think I’ll stick to a handful of things that I’m thankful for.
- First of all, I’m thankful for being alive. For having made it in one piece through the worst of covid to arrive here and now. Especially when the OH lost an aunt and an elder cousin to covid. I’m tankful every day that my health holds out and that I get another day on this blue and green marble floating in space. To look up at the stars and wonder, and to look at so much living beauty before it’s gone for good.
- I’m truly thankful to my partner for sponsoring me over the three year period necessary for me to first obtain my landed immigrant status here, in the province. And then, the gruelling 3 year paper-chase we had to go through in order to obtain my citizenship (which I finally got in August, 2021.) You wouldn’t believe the amount of paperwork involved.
- I’m also very thankful that even while covid raged around us, I actually lost weight from walking (Nervous energy? Fear? Who knows.) And not only that, because we were, like everyone else on the planet, in lockdown, I saved money. In fact, I’ve managed to save a small nest egg. A tiny miracle in and of itself.
- I’m truly thankful for my found family. My mother and sister in law have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome, and one of the family. And in a way my own family never did. Acceptance is the one thing we all look for amongst our family and friends, but the truth is, it isn’t always a given. That support has been invaluable.
- And finally, of course, I am beyond grateful to my partner who has, for what seems like the last millennia, been there for me, by my side, through every up and down, good and bad, as we grow old together.
Whatever life throws at me and to whatever comes next, I know I’ve found my place in life. And for that, I’m thankful, as that’s half the battle right there.
And you, what are you grateful for?
NaBloPoMo: 29/30 / Photo by Tsuyoshi Kozu on Unsplash
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Lovely thoughts! I agree that finding acceptance is so important, and I’m glad that you have that from your in-laws.
I’m thankful for my in-laws as well, and for my family, my health, and my job.
Thanks, J. It’s so important to take a few moments every so often to remind ourselves how lucky we are. Having family and are health make all the difference in a world gone crazy.
I love this list! And ugh, I work for the fed govt so I can believe the paperwork! blah.
I am grateful for so many things, many similar to yours! On the top of the list is the fun life I live with my husband and the adventures I get to go on with loved ones.
The paperwork is a nightmare, and all the steps you have to go through. I know it’s important and understand about all the background checks, but boy, they could make life a little easier.
I’m enjoying some of the adventures you’ve been going on, as well. Enjoy.
What a wonderful list of things to be thankful for. It sounds like you truly landed in a great spot. And we can all be thankful to be here after surviving the pandemic.
Another reason to not have any regrets about decisions made over the years as if I had done anything different, I wouldn’t have arrived here, where I’ve found a little corner of happiness.
And yes, I think we’re all grateful for having survived that one.