Grateful for My Mom and Dad

Technically speaking, Mom passed away on Nov. 27^th, but that year (2008), it was Thanksgiving – so in my mind, these two events are forever linked. I was literally on a plane traveling from Tokyo to Greenville, S.C. that day, having just learned that Mom had passed, and that I would miss her passing by 36 hours. Strangely enough, my Dad had passed away within a few days of Thanksgiving (though many years before), driving the holiday linkage even deeper in my psyche.

It’s impossible for me not to think about “what all has happened in the last 15 years” (let alone 34!), especially since I find reflection to be a valuable pursuit.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” – Margaret Wheatley

With all that in mind, here are five things I’ve come to believe over these years:

Life goes on after loved ones pass. Differently, but it goes on nonetheless, meandering its way along some unknown pathway, morphing in ways inconceivable. Stay positive and keep trying.

Time can be elusive – distant occurrences can feel like they happened “just yesterday” OR as far away (or more) than their actual time. Strive to enjoy every single moment.

Some things STILL hurt and may never be completely healed. Best to just embrace all that happens and keep moving in a forward direction.

Self-care contributes to higher quality of life, and will continue to be a lifelong challenge and pre-occupation. Never give up!

My Mom and Dad loved us with all their hearts – both fiercely, yet in different ways. They both did the absolute very best they could. I will never forget all they have given me.

On this Thanksgiving, I am so very grateful to both my parents for who they were and for all they did for me.