THANKSGIVING - 2022

2022 has been the most difficult year of my life, but in the midst of the hard, there is still much to be thankful for.  In this season of Thanksgiving, I thought it fitting to share some of the many blessings I’ve experienced. 

                                                                                         I AM GRATEFUL FOR…

…The gift of the Lord in my life:

• A God who always overcomes suffering and evil with good, whose plans are perfect even when they feel really hard
• A God who has continually comforted, protected, and provided for me in my grief; the One who knows me, sees me, holds me in the palm of His hand…who calls me by name.
• A God who I can run to any time, lean on when I’m falling & trust completely because He is trustworthy
• A God who is a light in the darkness and promises me a future and a hope
• Scripture & Songs that bring comfort and peace: Joshua 1:9; Psalms 121; Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 31:13; I Peter 1:3-9;  Songs - “Scars of Heaven” by Casting Crowns & “Hymn of Heaven” by Phil Wickham (check out on YouTube)

…The gift of Tom in my life:

• The precious time we had together, sharing 56+ years of life, 52+ of them as husband and wife
• The faith life we lived together, giving me the assurance, we’ll see each other again in Heaven
• The laughter, spontaneity, fun and joy Tom brought into our relationship and to our family
• All I learned from my life partner, be it factual, insightful, spiritual, practical, comical, etc.
• The physical suffering & limitations that plagued Tom, especially the last 2.5 months, are no more

…The gift of family:

• Being a witness to how beautifully our family was present for Tom, loving and caring for him “through the valley of the shadow of death” until his earthly end
• Experiencing our family’s ongoing love and support for me through their presence, their selfless acts of kindness and amazing practical help
• Sharing all the stories, insights, “Tom-isms,” or memes Dad/Tom sent, as we gather often
• Hearing from the grandkiddos, all the memories and ways Papa touched their lives and hearts
• Being loved and supported in a myriad of on-going ways by Tom’s and my sibs/in-love sibs (Colorado was cathartic!)

…The gift of friends:

• The incredible amount of love and support poured out to our family and me in the early days of grief through your cards/notes, presence at the visitation & funeral, visits, gifts, food etc. I can’t thank you enough
• Friends who have steadfastly continued walking with me in these uncharted waters, offering me a listening ear & open heart
• Friends who have traveled this road ahead of me and understand. Thank you for your wisdom.
• New friends I’ve made through GriefShare, a grief program that has been immensely helpful as I heal
• The lessons I’ve learned and am still learning from so many of you, on how to be truly present to someone who is hurting

I thank each of you for uniquely touching & blessing our lives.  I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Love, Bonnie 😊