It’s been 3 years…
Since I had a ‘proper’ Thanksgiving meals of turkey, green beans casserole topped off with delicious pecan pie and pumpkin pie.
Had to cancel my reservation at the American Club’s Thanksgiving Dinner tonight because of financial priorities.
My mother’s oven doesn’t have the power to cook a whole turkey.
There are many logistical reasons why we’re not celebrating Thanksgiving Day the way it’s being celebrated back in the States.
But deep in my heart I am thankful.
For this year hasn’t been nothing short but amazing in its own way. Looking back, it’s so easy to spot the things that I’m grateful for.
Here’s why my heart is swollen with so much gratitude – in no particular order:
- Seeing my boy thriving after he started school. It’s amazing to watch him grows intellectually day by day and blossoming into a soon-to-be 5 years old boy. His sudden interests in math – which by the way, could never come from his mother’s genes! The way he speaks Indonesian and English. My heart that is walking and breathing outside of my body is growing and I couldn’t be more thankful to have him. For the constant reminder he teaches me to slow down, to stop and laugh at the silly little things.
- To receive VIP treatments at The Holiday Inn in Bangkok for free after winning their photo contest, I would’ve never even imagined that my picture would land us there in Thailand. But it did! It wasn’t a dream. They are still using that shot around their hotel and on their Facebook page.
- For the health of my family, I can’t stop giving thanks to the Almighty for this one. Even when we lost two beloved members of our family, my faith were forever sealed that God is good all the time. My aunt may lost her battle to breast cancer but she lives on in our hearts forever and my Oma (Grandma) now rest in peace after a long amazing life. Even after the scare of my father’s health, God still answer our prayers and he’s now on the road to recovery.
- For my best friends who keeps me sane. These girls are my voices of reasons when I hit the slump. Their love gives me the strength when I thought I had none left. Yes, you girl! Those who can truly sees the real me without passing judgments, who let me vent yet give me some slaps of reality when necessary. Your friendship means the world to me. Thank you!
- The wonderful people that I met at my current job, the ones that I will leave in just a few days. Friendships were made. The laughter we shared in that office. So many people who touched my life. I will keep the memories of working side by side with them close to my heart and keep the friendships made.
- All my bloggy/Facebook/Twitter friends…it’s amazing how social media works isn’t? I have ‘met’ some truly amazing amazing people here online from all corners of the world. If only I could squeeze everyone here – it would be one darn long list. So if you read this post, if we communicate through Facebook or Twitter then I am thankful for you! My blog has opened up connections with others that enrich my life, it builds not only connections but also friendships, albeit the distance. Two highlights of my 2011 so far also include how thankful I feel to be a part of World Moms Blog’s contributor and being featured on The Parent Du Jour.
- Despite the end of my marital ties with Mr. X, his families still plays important roles in my life. My wonderful ex-mother in law who calls me her daughter. So to use the letters ‘ex’ pained me. Love that woman like my own mother!
Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it is important to remain thankful for all the blessings, big or small.
I am so happy for you and proud of you. 🙂
I did not have a “proper” Thanksgiving meal either but I have not been so happy in a long time. Thanksgiving is about how you feel on the inside, not about the feast. It is good that we realize this. 🙂
I’m so happy you’re happy my friend. I’m in the states and whatever “proper” is, we didn’t do it. heck, i boycotted the kitchen and made hubby cook. LOL what’s wonderful is that you and I, though we struggled this year, both have wonderful things to be thankful for. I appreciate you my friend. You are just wonderful. My only regret is you’re so darn far away.
I’m so glad I came to you today. Simple, heartfelt words of thanks are wonderful to read, and you did a beautiful job. Thank you!!
And thanking is what Thanksgiving is really all about, isn’t it? Forget the turkey (we had steak). Thank God, especially your dad was there to celebrate the holiday with you – hope you had a good one.
Maureen,
For some reason this link back to our website just popped up in my WordPress — but I’m glad it did, and that I got to read this post. I am eternally grateful to you for sharing your story with me, a total stranger on the Internet! Yours is a beautiful story that I often point out to friends who are going through separation or divorce. It gives them hope. Continue to be well and be happy and I hope we always stay in touch.
– LIsa D.