“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks…”   [1 Thess 5:16-18a]

A year ago I wrote a post titled “Giving Thanks” where I listed some of the Caregiving related items I was thankful for.  As the holiday rolled around again I contemplated what such a list would say this time around:

I am thankful that my several family members who’ve died since last Thanksgiving are now at rest; their journey, their struggle is over.

I am thankful that my dad lived just long enough to claim his 91st birthday and that I got to tell him one more time that I loved him.

I am thankful that for the first time all year we not facing an urgent or immediate medical crisis for one family member or another; we are at rest.

I am thankful for a mom who believes I need to shave more often and that I don’t eat enough… in other words, although she no longer realizes it, she continues to be my mother.

I am thankful for an Alzheimer’s living facility which has literally and figuratively embraced my mom after the death of Dad.

I am thankful that we who remain behind are filled with love and appreciation for one another; we are quick to smile, quick to laugh.

I am thankful for children who’ve made it their second mission to make sure I’m ok and to get me to laugh more; their first mission being to torture me as only a teenager and young adult can.

I am thankful that my kids talk to me about what’s on their hearts.

I am thankful for the opportunity last week to mark the anniversary of my wife’s death; I can see the healing and growth in my kids and I… even as we continue to miss her.

I am thankful for Caregiving.com, for Denise, Bette and so many others here who routinely educate, encourage, and empower me along my sandwich caregiving journey.  You are awesome & Denise rocks!