LIST OF APPRECIATION

A series of essays.....

Chris and Dan Sharing Thanksgiving and Birthday Celebration 11-28-2013

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


It is always a true marvel to witness how many people seriously commit to the sometimes arduous journey of traveling 'home' for the Thanksgiving Holiday!  

Often life and limb is at risk as we navigate snowy weather and ice-slick roads in our cars.  We press on through airport terminals bloated by the multitudes of fellow travelers expecting to fly and arrive at their particular destinations on time but, often disappointed by bad weather or scheduling.

As humans who harbor deep-set emotions and values implied by family and time-honored traditions...coming home for the Thanksgiving celebration is as important as breathing itself.  It is certain that Papa will carve the 'golden bird' and Grandma will bake the pumpkin pies and Mother will accomplish everything in between...and, we will bless the bounty of nature placed before us and give thanks for everything that means so much to us throughout the year!

Traditions abound when our 'thanks' is offered on this day.  I have seen families individually acknowledge what they are most thankful for as each person speaks, one by one, and the spotlight travels around the table.  Some families have each member write down what they are particularly thankful for and these slips of paper decorate a small tree that is left on display for the day.  Many families join hands around the table, resembling a human daisy-chain, and they pray together offering their thanks in one, united effort!

A Plaque I Have Had And Cherished
Since Childhood....

Even though we see our children and grandchildren at Christmastime every year, Dan and I often celebrate Thanksgiving in Florida with good friends or a dear younger brother, Chris, who resides in Georgia and can make the trip down to Orlando.  However, with Dan's birthday being on the 28th, not having all of the children around us to help celebrate both occasions tends to leave a large, empty spot in our hearts.

Considering our 'daisy chain' is very tiny this year but our hearts are full of love and gratitude....I have decided to write a list of everything that fills my heart and soul with the appreciation of life and how each has carried me along throughout the years.  In light of Global Warming, as well as the sad accounts enacted in Ferguson, Missouri these past few months....we ALL have things to work on and strive for in order to secure a better future for everyone.

With all my Love!

Christmas Dinner at the Farm With Yours Truly 
(Picture: Courtesy Linda McCombs-Williams)

LIST OF APPRECIATION

Years of Experience:
Accumulated knowledge;
Common sense;
Erudition;
Wisdom and
Enlightenment...Without these there would be no future!

The Arts:
Plays;
Painting;
Sculpture;
Stone Balancing;
Poetry and
Literature...just to name a few!  Yes....including all Music Genres!

A Sense of:
Balance;
Humor;
Right from Wrong;
Design and
Several things in between!

So Grateful For:
A Strong, Healthy Environment Which Includes:
Earth, Mind, Body and Soul.
The ability to value all that we've had bestowed upon us such as Clean Water, Fresh Air, Clean Food and the opportunity and right to keep them that way...forever!

The Freedom To:
Travel the Earth;
Explore Our Universe and Beyond;
Broaden Our Horizons and
Reach For the Stars!

The Love and Belief in Family and Friends:
Shelter thy weary spirit within the bosom of our
Loved Ones...

The absence of Hate,
Bigotry,
Racism,
Prejudice and
Discrimination...

Oh, what a wonderful world this would be!!!

The Eviction of the Ego:
To Love,
Respect,
Accept ourselves completely and believe in the Beauty we all have within us.
Then we might look at others and see our Beautiful Selves within Them!

The Appreciation of and.....
The Willingness to Accept Change,
Live Without Fear Or Favor!
Soar Like An Eagle and
Rise Above Negativity and Hate.

On A Lighter Note....

The Evolution and Invention of the Camera....
Ancient Greeks, Zahn, Schultz, Daguerre and Niepce;
To Wolcott, Talbot, Eastmann and beyond!
I Will always be grateful,
Eternally so,
For the application of Light..Reflection..Dark Spaces.

The Simplistic Ability To:
Smile,
Laugh,
Enjoy,
Appreciate and....  Drum roll Please!

LOVE.

Taken from "1 Corinthians 13:13"
Gracing our wedding invitations and married life...
"And now these three remain:
Faith, Hope and Love.  But,
The greatest of these is.....LOVE!"

"The greatest of these is.....Love!"

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to Everyone!  Shelter your weary spirit within the bosom of your Loved Ones and Be Happy!  2014

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!!!





Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved