Sunday, November 14, 2010

Margaret West Shares Her Thankfulness...

It has been a hard month for me. I lost my beautiful mother in law and the following day my buddie Chester. Just a small dog to some, but a writing friend and companion to me. For twelve years he sat at my feet in the office and only moved when I did. When I was dreadfully ill, he sat on my lap and just knew by being there, that he made me feel better. 

This week I have cried so many tears.

Yesterday I was talking to a woman who is terminally ill. That’s one of my jobs.  Helping those who feel lost, alone and afraid. But on this day her words helped me instead. How? She reminded me that however fragile life is, we should be thankful we have been given the chance to live it. So today, while I am mourning the ones I’ve lost, I am thankful for the people, friends and animals that are still with me. My son, who came back from the Iraq war, when so many mothers’ sons did not and my daughter who survived a nervous breakdown and now lives a full and happy life, for my husband who survived two heart attacks and a stroke and for my friends who always support me no matter what. 

While it breaks my heart that the ones I love have to leave me, I am thankful for each day I had with them and the joy they brought into my life. 



10 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your losses, Mags. *hugs*

    Everyone that is living should be grateful for life, I think. Every life has its merits.

    Personally, I think I have a wonderful life, and I'm a very happy person. The only thing I would change is being unemployed. I have great kids, wonderful friends, two loving although sometimes annoying cats, a place to live, food to eat, and the chance to write, which means everything to me. So I have a great deal to be thankful for.

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  2. Life really throws you some curves. But in life, there is always something to be thankful for.
    And yes, we have our memories of those who have passed on before us and we are much richer for knowing them.
    Nice post, Margaret.

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  3. Wonderful post, Margaret. Thanks so much for sharing. I've had recent losses, too, and it is always a challenge to find the right balance between the grief and the thankfulness. I have learned to just let the tears flow when they come. It is important to grieve, but I do try to bring myself into a better place with thankfulness for what I still have.

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  4. So sorry to hear you're having a terrible time, Margaret. I just lost my wonderful mother-in-law this week too, so I can relate. Keeping their memories alive helps, and we can always be grateful that we shared in their lives.
    I'm thankful for you! :)

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  5. My condolences.

    What a lovely post. Thanks for the positive outlook. cheers~

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  6. Thanks for all your lovely comments. So sorry for your loss cate. Xx

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  7. I have often thought that you can live life one of two ways: either you keep yourself safe from pain, by never loving, staying single, never getting involved with anyone beyond passing acquaintanceship. Or you can jump into life like it's a pool, getting soaking wet. One way, you never have any lows, but then you never have any highs either. I chose to dive in head first, and have lived accordingly. I have rejoiced over the birth of my 4 kids, and held my Dad's hand while he took his last breath. Both times merited tears. Keep breathing steadily and knowing that your life has touched so many others. Be strong, love much, laugh often. Peace awaits us all...I want to be worn out by the time I get there!

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  8. Margaret,
    You are definitely an inspiration. Thanks for being my guest today.

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  9. Beautiful post, Margaret. I'm sorry for your losses and happy that you have so many things to be grateful.

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  10. So sorry to hear of your losses. But being grateful for the time you shared with them does them homage and great recognition. May their memories forever live on.
    C.K. Volnek

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