So many Thanksgivings go by, where I never really truly consider my blessings. The older I become, the more I appreciate this holiday and its time-honored traditions. It is for setting aside time for families, friends and loved ones, so that we can come together and give thanks.
There is something about Thanksgiving that I’ve come to appreciate. While I love Christmas, and obviously it’s meaning, so many times it becomes completely cluttered with the ‘happenings,’ shopping and gifts, that the chaos overwhelms most of the season, having only – at the last minute – time to reflect on what truly is important during the holidays.
So as I get older, at the ripe old age of 29, I have come to realize the value of Thanksgiving, and fear that I have overlooked its importance until now.
I have many things in which to be thankful for this year, but I will spare you the laundry list of items and narrow it down to one main gratitude – and I’m sorry to disappoint – it’s very unoriginal. I am thankful for perseverance, which ultimately brings me to being thankful for … and here’s the unoriginality… my family.
I have been blessed with my family who has taught me so many valuable lessons in life, and I now know that you are never too old to learn, or to be reminded of where you come from. For me, recently, it has been a week of reminiscing with my wonderful family, remembering times, and learning of times before me, which I will keep with me and treasure, and hold with me to remember when I am faced with tough decisions. The answer will always be – perseverance. You can never go wrong with that, and you will never fail to be rewarded for that. Life’s lesson, via Paw Paw, is perseverance, and he is my prime example in this.
This past week of reminiscing has me considering that if it weren’t for my parents, and their parents and the major influences they have been to me, that I could have easily turned out differently, and that some were not as fortunate as I have been, through no efforts of my own. It was a lucky blessing for me.
I was fortunate enough to have been blessed with a family who values hard work, love and education – the cornerstones to a successful, happy lifestyle, and this has left its impression on me.
Perseverance. The word seems simple enough, but the concept is a life-learned skill, and comes with much practice. It applies to everything in life, but only when you’re struggling and working diligently towards your goals.
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for that one word. This one word – perseverance - led to a multitude of dynamic stories, with my Paw Paw taking lead as the comedic narrator, sharing them with much laughter and many tears. Perseverance allowed me to learn a side of my Paw Paw that would have remained secret to me.
After reminiscing about my hoity toity high school days where I turned my nose up at working at my parents Sonics during my senior year of high school, we shared a good laugh. Ms. Thing over here didn’t mind slumming it during the summer, but the school year was not meant for delivering food, taking orders, earning tips, and taking out the trash - or was it? What’s a 17-year-old know anyhow?
After a good laugh while reminiscing Paw Paw asked, “It’s not beneath you now, is it?”
Me humbly responding, “No Paw Paw. It’s not.”
Perseverance. Laughter. Tears. Pride. Hard work. Family. Love. Shared moments and forged memories. Growing up. Lessons finally sinking in.
Perseverance is a result of hard work, which leads to pride, and in turn becomes prosperity.
But even with prosperity, you still are never too good for delivering goods, taking orders, learning/earning tips and taking out the trash.
Again, “No Paw Paw. It’s not.”
