Oh So Thankful

Tonight I watch "Mega Tsunami" on TLC. I watched as people told their stories of that day and watched the videos of people in terror. I watched a father find his 15 year old daughter in a picture on a wall of dead bodies for people to identify and witness this moment of devastation. I watched as a couple was interviewed about losing their 5 year old daughter that day. They explained what it was like not being able to hold onto her in the powerful water and identifying her body and having to be asked three times if this was their daughter. I watched as they grieved and could not even console each other during the interview about that day.

I went upstairs and sat on my son's bed and just held him. I stroked his face and kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear how much I loved him. I cried tears of joy to just be able to do that right here right now. I got to hear him laugh tonight. I got to hear him say "I wished that my elf, santa, and God would love me" when he pulled the wishbone from a chicken at dinner with his mother. It is Christmas. I know that I have been concerned about "what am I going to get everyone, how am I going to get it," and many other things that really do not matter when you see how others have faced loss. So I wanted to write to remind myself, and hopefully others, that there is so much to be thankful for each and everyday. Some may not have jobs, unable to buy presents, unable to offer what we may think would be a "good Christmas." I am going to choose to be thankful for all that I have, especially my family. To be with them on each day, to be in their presence, to watch them learn and grow and change, to have the honor and privilege to be a part of love with them - this is what I will focus on. I will just be oh so thankful that on Christmas day, and everyday, I get to see them and be with them. Cherish each of these moments. I know it is said everywhere you go, but truly anything other than this is a waste.

Namaste'