A Moment for Thanks

Thanksgiving means more to me than the chance to reflect on the blessings all around us, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. 

Four years ago, at the Thanksgiving table with our extended family, my sister and I presented our grandparents with a congratulations card, reading:

"You've always been good grandparents, but now you'll be great grandparents come next June and then July!" 

A month earlier my sister and I called each other, at the same time, on the same day, to tell each other we were pregnant with our first children. The following summer we welcomed our babies and life forever changed for both of our families (of course).

Of all of the years since this special Thanksgiving of 2010, this year of 2014 has been quite a doozy. From major career changes, to reflux turning our world upside down, to making tough decisions for our family's health and wellbeing - it's safe to say that even if a baby wasn't keeping us awake each night, the stress of our other situations certainly would have!

Throughout this year I've frequently had to remind myself: when you feel grateful, it's harder to be angry (bitter, jealous, stressed, any of the above).

No one can prepare you for parenthood, or what the next minute, day or year might throw your way. But through it all - if we are lucky - we get to experience moments so special you might not believe the amount of joy your heart can feel.

I hope that whatever you're facing right now, that you're able to sneak away for a few minutes this week to give thanks for the strength to overcome your darkest of days, and the grace to live your precious moments as if they will never end. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Me with my first Thanksgiving buddy, catching a moment of joy after a very long week!