I know it is the day after Thanksgiving but this is one of those holidays that tends to drag on especially when a member of your family is in residential treatment and traditions may be broken. Following is a father’s expression of gratitude when a family is enduring tough times.
—————————————————-
My emotions are pretty close to the surface today. It doesn’t feel like a real Thanksgiving morning, since I was not up at dawn, fixing the stuffing and getting the turkey in the oven. My son is in residential treatment our of state; my wife and her mother are visiting family in another state. My daughter and I have been invited to a neighbor’s house for dinner. Typically, our family takes in the “waifs and strays” for Thanksgiving dinner; today my daughter and I are the waifs.
It’s been a pretty tough year. But, on this unusual Thanksgiving, here are the things for which I am thankful -
I am thankful that my son is safe.
I am thankful that there are quality residential treatment facilities and places like it exist to provide an alternative to what appeared to be a future of late-night searches, explosive arguments, and court dates.
I am thankful that my son is being cared for by people who have the skills and temperament to help him.
I am thankful for the solidarity of my nuclear family and the support of my extended family. I have never been closer to my siblings, because of the love and care they are showing for me, my wife, my son, and my daughter.
I am thankful for the people in this community who share their pain, their knowledge, and their empathy. I have never before in my life depended on the kindness of strangers, but my experience in this past year is that they can be extraordinarily kind.
It’s pretty easy for me to fall into self-pity – I have to fight that every day. But today, while I am sad that our family is not together, I feel myself amply blessed. I am hoping that you can feel blessed today as well.
Posts
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
….I have read and reread this post and feel the need to say “Thank-You” for your simple eloquence….It is exactly how I feel as well.