A cousin of mine passed away a few days ago. He was 57.
Needless to say, that’s too young. And this sort of thing just shouldn’t happen the week of Thanksgiving. I know a bit about that: my mom passed away seven years ago Thursday. The anniversary of Mom’s death falling on Thanksgiving Day as it does this year is, well, let’s just say it paints a different hue on the holiday.
Most Americans are celebrating this week, and for great reason. Family are visiting, college kids are home from school, the excitement of the holidays is in full swing. As a rule, we are a happy, thankful, and generous people, and rightfully so. But there are some—plenty, actually—who may not feel there is much to be thankful for this week.
I can be one of those, sometimes. And I’m sure the Blackwell family will struggle with thankfulness this week.
But sometimes, I guess, Thanksgiving is more a reminder of what we should be thankful for. For me, the absence of my mom and dad doesn’t just incite great memories of loved ones lost. It encourages me to live such a life that I truly have plenty to be thankful for. You see, insofar as we forge our own destiny, we create everything we have to be thankful for.
I miss Mom and Dad. And the Blackwell family has heavy, heavy hearts this week, as they will Thanksgivings to come. Nothing I say can change that. Jimmy Blackwell will be profoundly missed.
Be thankful for the time and experiences you’ve had. And be thankful for the ones to come. Forge your own future thankfulness. In that light, we will have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year…
Charlie, Starting To Smile (If You Use Your Imagination A Little)
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein
