Welcome to Day 4 of our Giving Thanks project. Yesterday we talked about the significance of our right to vote. I hope you took the time and exercised your right to vote. As of this writing, we still don’t know who will be our President for the next 4 years. It is truly amazing how the voice of the American people will decide this. Given how close the race is, it only highlights how important everyone’s vote is. If you missed that post, you can find it here: Right to Vote.
Today is a very important day in our family. It is my mother-in-law’s birthday. I won’t share her age but she looks like she is 50 🙂 In honor of my amazing mother-in-law, I would like to suggest that we reflect on how thankful we are for our parents.
I lost my father in 2017. I miss him every day but his absence has been especially hard on my mother; they were married 49 years. My mom is a rock. She is a retired nurse who grew up on a farm and she is as stubborn as the day is long. Those of you who know her can attest to this. I was blessed to grow up in a loving home with 2 wonderful parents, who have also been amazing grandparents to my children and my niece.
I recognize that my childhood is not the norm and that many children experience a different parenting structure. The word “parent” has a broad definition. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a parent is a person who “brings up and cares for another.” In addition to being a biological or adoptive mother or father, a parent can be a step-parent, grandparent, legal guardian, or a combination of these.
“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.”
Oprah Winfrey
Today, I would encourage you to reflect on your “parents”, whether they are your Mom, Dad, Step-Mom, Step-Dad, Grandparent, etc. For those of us who are lucky enough to still have our parents on this earth, please take a minute and let them know how grateful you are for them and for everything they have done for you. Call them, text them, Facetime them, send a card, whatever works for you.
For those of us who have lost a parent or both parents, take a moment to cherish a fond memory, say a prayer, or share their story. It’s the least we can do for them.
Love your parents and treat them with loving care. For you will only know their value when you see their empty chair.
Anonymous
Until next time, keep looking for the goodness around you.
With gratitude –
Denise 🙂
Beautiful message today Denise. Having recently lost both parents, I was touched by the visions snd memories that your message brought to mind. The quotes you shared within the post hit home and yes for those that have a parent with them, please reach out and let them know how grateful you are to have them. ❤️
G – I thought of you as wrote this post. I know this year has been one of the hardest of your life. You should be so proud of how hard you loved them and cared for them both before they left this earth. I’m sure they are smiling down on you now. They were blessed to have you for a daughter.