Giving Thanks

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving in America. Words alone could never convey the gratitude I have for my life and all of the people in it, both friends and family. As I begin to prepare my VEGAN meal for my family I am left thinking about this countries history and that of my native country Canada (who celebrates their Thanksgiving in October). I guess we all get so bogged down with "tradition" and social norms we never sit and realize how this celebration came to be or even stop to give gratitude to those who were forced to sacrificed their lives and land so we could sit up to our tables today with our loved ones. I think about the millions of slaughtered Turkeys and all of the Natives who lost their land and lives so "we" could call this country OURS. I had to share this statement by Russell Simmons as it really spoke to me today.

"I hope everyone has a wonderful time today with their family and friends, while reflecting on all the things they have to be thankful for. 

In my house, however, we’ll be doing things a little bit differently than most Americans. Instead of eating Turkey flesh, we’ll be chowing down on some delicious Tofu Turkey. And instead of celebrating the story of the Pilgrims, we’ll be reflecting on how the kindness of the Wampanoag tribe who helped them got paid back with enslavement, violence and death.

I don’t say that to judge what anyone else is doing today, but rather to explain why sometimes I have a hard time “celebrating” a day that’s built around the enslavement and impoverishment of indigenous Americans and the annual slaughter of millions of innocent animals.

So today, try to take a moment from your celebration and at the very least be mindful of the suffering the Wampanoag and so many other Native Americans went through. And then take another moment to reflect on the suffering that turkey on your plate must have gone through too. 

No matter what you end up eating and how you end up celebrating today, please have a safe, relaxing and loving time with you family and friends. But please also take that moment to reflect on the real stories behind this “Holiday.” You owe it to the Native Americans, the turkeys and yourself." - Russell Simmons

Enjoy each moment today regardless of your beliefs or traditions. Express your gratitude each and every day to those who you love and to strangers as well. Never forget to say "Thank You" every time someone does something for you, no matter how big or small. I am appalled to see how many people do not thank others or are devoid of simple manners. DO for others and be the example of compassion for all living things. Count your blessings and share them with others. The capacity to do so is what you REALLY should be giving thanks for.

Let today inspire the gratitude you should have all year long!

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ 

John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Gratitude

Gratitude. An emotion often felt but not expressed often enough in words and even less in gesture or action. I have just celebrated one of the most joyous and suffered one of the most traumatic moments in my life. The birth of my son Blake. I had a very fast and traumatic natural delivery which left my new born son blue, virtually lifeless and fighting to breath in the NICU. What was anticipated by me to be one of the happiest days of my life ended up being one of the most stressful and horrifying quite frankly.

Now that the initial shock has worn off, oxygen tubes removed and Blake has been safely delivered to his new home I have had time to reflect on my personal gratitude, blessings and gifts.

My gratitude extends beyond the delivering midwife, nurses at French Hospital and those in the special care nursery who cared for Blake 24/7 (literally). My eternal gratitude goes to my chosen family of Central Coast Sisters who unselfishly sprung into action to help me start picking up the pieces and ensuring that structure that surrounded me stayed strong. I did not have the strength from my little mini-alcatraz a.k.a. hospital bed to express my gratitude, until now.

THANK YOU - for the visits, lunches, laughs, gifts and TIME. For cleaning my home, doing my laundry and grocery shopping. For the food in the freezer, flowers and hugs. The Half Black/Half passion, no sugar. For the available ear to listen, the shoulder to cry and the warm arms I needed to hold me when my husbands were too exhausted. For the positive energy, prayer and vibes sent to me every moment of every day. For all this and more I am sincerely GRATEFUL.

I raise my glass to the following special ladies in my life



who each in their own fabulous ways have helped me through this time and enriched my life in general.










Thank you Maggie (Hair Stylist extraordinaire) for making a house call, reviving my locks, bringing dinner, clothes for Blake and so much support and LOVE! xo I now feel like a human being again ... one with fabulous hair ;) xo



A shout out to my digital support team! Thank you for all the lovely messages, texts, BBM's, Tweets and Facebook messages during the dark days and beyond. Even though we were geographically separated your love and support was felt each day; JESSIE, CHELSA, CINDY, LAURA, NICOLE, KERRY, My cousins/brothers: CHRIS & COLIN, JO JO, KRISTEN, MARIE, .. and my Facebook and Twitter Family. I can honestly say that your wishes, prayers and positive energy helped and reached us.


To My Sister Lori; My gratitude can never really be expressed in words for your grand gesture of love to our family. Jumping on a plane and flying 2,700 miles at first word that Blake's situation was less than ideal is amazing! You left your busy life that is full of responsibly to your job(s), kids and derby team to come and help with Kaleigh, tend to my household, make me laugh and cheer me. Most of all unselfishly lending your ear and heart to my feelings and struggle. I will be eternally thankful for both your actions and words during this time.



To my Mother; I can never properly articulate my gratitude for all your help during this time and over my entire life. You have always been there for me and I am FOREVER thankful to you and your generous heart and soul. You have been an amazing mother to me and Lori and an even more amazing grandmother (Nanny) to Kaleigh and Blake. I love you.




Special Thanks to TORI and KIMORA who have taken the time to inquire about Blake, provide words of support and encouragement and illustrate through words and action what amazing women they are.





HAVE YOU THANKED THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE? BIG OR SMALL?

Start a gratitude journal today. Each day write at least one thing you are grateful for. At the end of the year you will have at least 365 reasons to celebrate your life and the people in it!

Lisa
OXO

There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude. ~Robert Brault