Thankful Reflections

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I’ve mentioned earlier the top item on my list of what to be thankful for is having Adrian home with us. He worked out of town for 7 years - most of which was up in Fort Mac Murray. Ds was 4 months old when he began. Don’t get me wrong the money was fabulous. It afforded us a certain lifestyle, but we struggled with our choice over the years. When the children were babies it was a bit easier to justify, but as they got older and more vocal about their displeasure with their father’s absences it became more difficult – especially for Adrian. I could see how it was tearing at his heart when ds would ask why daddy had to leave so soon. And now that is behind us, and I hope it is for good. The lure of the money is strong. Adrian talks to friends and hears of the money that their making. He took a big pay-cut by coming home, but we know that it’s worth it. The happiness of the children is priceless. A couple of weeks ago Adrian wasn’t home at bedtime because he had a meeting with the Junior Forest Wardens. When I was tucking dd in she said that she couldn’t sleep without a kiss and hug from daddy. She wouldn’t have said that last year because he was almost never home at bedtime. Junior Forest Wardens (JFW) brings up another point. Adrian is a leader this year for JFW. How wonderful for him. At this time last year he was sad and resentful that he couldn’t be more involved with the children’s activities. When he was out of town it wasn’t unusual for him to be gone for two or three weeks at a time. When he heard about what we did while he was away it served as a reminder of how much he was missing. I am so thrilled for him that he can be involved in this way, and ds is proud that his daddy is a leader.

Next on my list is that we can afford for me to stay home with the kids. I love being home with them. And that we homeschool is next. I am learning so much through this experience about my children and myself. Yes, there are difficulties and challenges, but I’m thankful for those as well. I believe without the struggles I wouldn’t learn and progress in my life. Not that I go out of my way to look for problems or snags, but if they’re going to happen I might as well learn from them.

I’m thankful that we have two healthy pets that are tolerant with the kids. Is this a strange one? We’ve had a lot of pet deaths this year. Max’s brother, Rev (whom we named because of his motor like purr) died in the spring when he was clipped by a car. That was particularly rough on ds – his first major experience with death.

Max and Rev as kittens (Rev is on the right)

Soon afterwards we got another kitty from the shelter. We named him Sam. He was black and white. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much of a chance to get to know him. He died after three weeks of a chest infection. Then we lost Cleo's sister, Bailey, and my mother's dog, Rusty. All of these animals are buried under a tree on our acreage. So, I am very thankful that Max and Cleo are happy, healthy, and well loved.

I’m thankful that Adrian gets to have a week for hunting. I know he and our neighbour will have a great time. Taking breaks from life’s concerns is good for the soul.

I could go on, of course. As I said at the top we have many things for which to be thankful. Health, love, happiness, life, family, and friends. I am thankful for these things everyday.