Today, being a day of giving thanks, I have been doing a lot of thinking about all that I am grateful for. Of course, I am thankful for the security of the roof over my head, the comfort of the shoes I have on my feet and all of the food I too often gluttonously devour (unfortunately, because of the cruel consequences of greed, war and poverty, millions of people in this world can not say the same), but when addressing this subject from a more abstract angle, its amazing how much I realize I do really take for granted.
I am thankful that I have the miraculous gift of vision, the innate ability to view this vast and beautiful world through the lenses of my own two eyes. What would life be like if I lived the mysterious darkness of my own self, experiencing the world through my hands and not relying on the luxury of sight? Would I be a strong enough person to overcome that difficulty and achieve all my goals and live out all of my dreams?
I am thankful for ability to be mobile, to venture through the astounding wonders of creation that simply take your breath away. Climbing a mountain to capture moments of serenity, strolling along an expansive shore to view the horizon stretching beyond the waves, dodging people on the sidewalk in a chaotic, yet smooth, rhythm of a strange and different city, or enduring the 26.2 miles of a challenging, yet empowering, marathon. What would life be like for me if I did not have the ability to use my legs and experience the pleasure of a simple walk or an enduring race, being confined a wheelchair? Would I be a strong enough person to overcome that difficulty and achieve all of my goals and live out all my dreams?
I am thankful for all of the opportunities that I have had and have now. I am thankful for the chance to gain an education, to know how to read, to travel and experience new cultures and to not be denied those opportunities because of a corrupt government or a lack of resources. What would life be like for me if I had to confront the reality of not being able to obtain knowledge, to be “caged” and under the control of others? Would I be strong enough person to overcome that difficulty and achieve all of my goals and live out all of my dreams?
I am thankful for the unconditional love and inexhaustible support that I have received from all of my family and friends throughout the years, and especially now. For all of the tender moments of belly-aching laughter, the countless number of warm embraces and all of the times we have shared friendly conversation. I am thankful for you all, for filling my life with love and happiness. For being there with me in my times of despair and in my times joy. What would life be like for me if I did not have all of the amazing people in my life who counsel me, challenge me and catch me when I fall? Would I be a strong enough person to overcome that difficulty and achieve my goals and live out my dreams?
Of course, I cannot answer all of those questions I have raised. But I do know that I want to begin to live with a greater sense of consciousness for all that I do have.
I spent the day traveling to Vilches and celebrating the holiday with truly wonderful people. Before arriving here, Thanksgiving was the one holiday I worried I wouldn’t celebrate. (Of course, too, its the one holiday that involves the most food hehe) The thought of missing out on turkey for two Thanksgivings in a row was a bit perturbing and bothersome, but luckily that was not the case. As it goes every other year, I ate way too much food and suffered from the annual “can’t bend over or take a deep breath” stomachache. And although I did not spend the holiday with my family, I was in the company of new friends, all of whom I am thankful I have come to know.
I hope you, too, had a wonderful day :-)
Note: I took the picture on the road, heading out of Vilches.
