Picture: PD Clip Art

The Volunteers’ Thanksgiving

by Lucy Larcom, 19th Century teen writing 

I smell the crispy turkey, the pies will come in soon-

The golden squares of pumpkin, the flaky mounds of mince,

Behind the barberry syrups, the cranberry, and the quince.

I am grateful that I am still on my earth walk for this Thanksgiving, and that I have lived long enough to see my son married. I’ve had and have world-class doctors.  I’m fortunate to have healthcare, not something to take for granted.  But it’s mostly because of my son that I’m still here.  He’s had my back every second since I was first diagnosed in 1999.  He stood over my hospital bed, grabbed my hands, and said, “Mom, you can’t give up. There’s so much we haven’t done yet.”  With an invitation like that, how could I give up?  

I’m grateful that I get to spend the day with my hero son and with my beautiful daughter-in-law, the surprise delight of my maturity.  When I was young, I would think about being a grandmother, but I never thought about being a mother-in-law. I wonder if anyone does. It turns out to be magical, happiness-making experience.  

I’m grateful for all my fine friends, the older ones (golden) and the new ones (silver): for Mary Ann who is so funny, kind and smart and always there.  For Pam, who always writes and probably doesn’t know when she sends out her emails that she writes well and turns a good phrase.  To Marion, my Reiki instructor and dear friend, sweet, generous and bright. I am grateful for our hugely talented, David, who will leave the country permanently on December 12, and it’s our great loss.  For Smiley Jo, my stalwart companion for movies, author presentations, book signings, and Peet’s.  For Sandra, whose store I enjoy so much. And, for Barbara, who bods well to become my Buddha Buddy. I know fantastic people from the “Sacramento Days” and am getting to know people who are just as fantastic here in the South Bay.  The South Bay folks includes those in our Group.  They are on the hero’s journey, dealing with chronic and catastraophic illness, each one an inspiration in his or her own way.

I wish everyone a Thanksgiving that is bright with love for and from family and friends.