Today I am thankful...

We get so caught up in the festivities this time of year that we sometimes forget to stop for a moment and take it all IN.   What does it all mean?  Is it just about the food we're preparing, the gifts we're wrapping, the parties we're attending?  Do we truly remember why we are doing all this?  Do we remember to appreciate what and who we have in lives?  Regardless of our ethnic background, our spiritual and religious beliefs, we all share one thing in common:  FAMILY.  

It's been a year of loss for our family (actually, the last 2 years)... my husband lost his mother just a short month ago, his father 24 months ago; my children have lost the most amazing grandparents ever; I have lost the mother of my Beloved, a dear friend, confidant, my creative inspiration.

 (Swinton and Anita Scott, circa 1952)

  
(Swinton & Anita, the kind of love you read about)

In January, we lost our pet of 15+ years - Sasha; in September we lost a second pet (of 17+ years), Polly.

And through it all, we were a FAMILY... and I am thankful for them.  We are stronger because of our losses.   We have leaned on each other during our darkest hours, wept together,even laughed together as we remembered our loved ones.

 I am THANKFUL for my patient, kind, loving, honest, respectful, husband; my Best Friend.

I am THANKFUL for my beautiful, smart, kind-hearted, wonderful CHILDREN.  They have brought me so much joy and I cannot thank them enough for putting up with their crazy Mom.
 
my baby (now 21), Bianca

 
my middle child, the one with a Big Heart, Jordan (25)

 
my talented first-born, Byron (27), who has finally found his true love, Katt

 I am THANKFUL for LIFE and all it's beauty and glory.

 

Today I'm honored to be joining Lynn over at The Vintage Nest for her Giving Thanks blog party...   thank you, Lynn, for hosting!  

  Please visit the participants for an eyeful and heartful of the many reasons to be THANKFUL this holiday season.

 

 

Comments

[Theresa]

Hello Mercedes! I am sorry for your losses, I know they are hard to bear, I miss my mom terribly, she has been gone almost 2 years and tonight we celebrated Thanksgiving without her again. The strength you get from one another will get you through, we are both fortunate to have loved ones to lean on. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet and supportive comment, it made my day all that much better! Theresa xoxo

[Cheryl~Zanymayd]

Beautiful Giving Thanks Post from the Heart ~ May Your Family Always Be Blessed & Your Hearts Filled with Sweet Memories ~
Happy Thanksgiving
Cheryl

[barb]

I came over from Vintage Nest. I can relate to this post so much. We have had many losses this year but they have made us stronger.
May God continue to watch over and Bless you.

Hugs,
Barb

[Margaret Cloud]

Hi, I really enjoyed reading about your family some sad times and happy times. I had tears in my eyes for all your loss and that feeling will never go away but the memories linger on. I congratulate you on your win over at Lynns she is the best there is, I just love her. Have a nice weekend and a happy Thanksgiving.

[Sarah]

Mercedes, this is a most beautiful, heartfelt post. I'm sad for your recent loss. Those we love continue to live on in our hearts, so keep their memories ever present.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. ~ Sarah

[Lynn @thevintagenest]

the kleenex box is already down half past full after reading all the beautiful post so far. You have a gorgeous family and I am sorry for your losses this past year. They say it makes us stronger but I could sure do without that extra muscle. So glad you joined the party and congrats. on your win. xoxo and a very happy Thanksgiving :)