Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year. My many US friends are preparing now to settle down with friends and family to their annual harvest of Thanksgiving.
I am reminded yet again that I have much to be thankful for. My family and loving husband, friends to be comfortable with, a bountiful harvest from our garden, freedom to be who I am, clean air and water, small things that still make me laugh, my health and a life I am content with.
I’m thankful for friends who have passed thru my life and yet are no longer here with me. I think I live a balanced life and stop to appreciate the smaller things along the way. Yet, the sudden and tragic loss of a friend and her unborn son earlier this year has given me pause.
My friend Jill loved life, her family, her pet and her adoring husband. She loved history, especially Gettysburg and hot air balloons which reminded her of her late father. She loved to craft, and was whimsical and detailed in making beautiful greeting cards. She made a beautiful baby scrapbook for another friend of mine. I miss her everyday.
But, because she was my friend she has taught me much and her early passing has made me dig a little deeper and
Hug my spouse a bit more often and just a little bit harder
Call my sisters and tell them I love them, not just dash off a quick email
Not let the little things bother me so quickly or quite so much – who really cares that the cupboard doors in the kitchen always seem to be left open
I am thankful to have known her.
To all my US friends, have a laughter filled, warm and wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. And, stop and take the time to remember what and why you are thankful.
theoldbarndoor 
What a wonderful, moving tribute for Thanksgiving..
Beautiful post. We should all learn to take a moment each day to remember what we are thankful for. You have given us much to think about.
Wonderful words that made me remember a friend that is gone and to keep the ones that are still here close.
I’m crying as I read your beautiful post. Every day, even our darkest days, can be a day of thanksgiving if only we allow it to be. Thank you for the heartfelt reminder.
A moving post, Pat. I only wish it wasn’t so timely.
So beautifully written about Jill. And your words are something that we all should think of, not only Thank Giving but every day
What a beautiful tribute to your friend! It brought tears to my eyes and it truly makes me thankful for all of my friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Beautifully written! I think of Jill & others that have been close to me, like my sister who just passed last month. Life is too precious & much too short to stress over mundane things. I, too, have learned to appreciate & treasure the moments we do have with ones we love.
Well said!
Beautifully said.
This was lovely to read, and an effective reminder of what’s important in life. The ones we love.
Patricia,
Thanks for reminding us of Jill and Landon. Life is short – enjoy everyday like it’s your last, cause it actually could be.
Take care.
Thank you so much for sharing your precious memories. I am also so very thankful for my family and friends
Blessings
Colleen
Patricia- i think of you often and hope you are well. I am thankful for a friend like you who despite never having met, could still be so warm and understanding and solace. And there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Jill and all that could have been. Miss you xox Candice
Such a lovely blog honoring your friend and the things in our lives that truly matter. Thanks.