Of all the things I am grateful for today and every day, my friends (both online and off), rank the highest. You, my friend, have made these years of transition a special time for me, showing me that grief isn’t just about sadness and broken connections, but about growth, wonder, and new links to life.
It’s odd to think about, but if my currently deceased life mate/soul mate were somehow to return whole and healthy, I’m not sure I’d go back to him — I’d be leaving too much behind. Oh, heck, who am I kidding? I’d go back to him in a minute! But the truth is, I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision. I still have dances to learn, friends to enjoy, places to go, adventures to undertake.
I panic at times about the uncertainty of my future, but even that uncertainty is something to be grateful for — uncertainty hides a plethora of undiscovered joys, friends as yet unmet, and untold possibilities. More than that, by your friendship, you have taught me that the future is not an unfriendly place. Once upon a time, you were part of an unknown future of mine, and now you are a significant presence in my life.
Thank you, my friend, for the blessings you have bestowed on me.
Wishing you a very happy day of thanksgiving, even if you don’t celebrate the American tradition of Thanksgiving Day.
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Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, “an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.” Connect with Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.
Bertram's Blog 
November 27, 2014 at 10:17 am
My cousin just posted something that said the way we deal with things is the only choice we really have in life, as opposed to being able to control what comes our way. So on to the future! Going to have a vegan Thanksgiving. Not quite sure what it will be, but as long as there’s no meat, I’m fine with it. I guess?
November 27, 2014 at 10:54 am
Of all the Thanksgiving treats, the ones that most say “feast” to me are the non-meat ones — stuffing, yams, olives, cranberry sauce. All vegetarian!
November 27, 2014 at 11:32 am
Friends and family are getting me through metastasis bone cancer. Wish they weren’t so sad for me…I’ve lived a long and happy and adventurous life!
November 27, 2014 at 11:38 am
I can see how their sadness can be a problem — but on the plus side, it’s a sign of how much they care for you. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and more adventures.
November 27, 2014 at 11:48 am
The future is a shining, lovely place filled with joy, loving friends and peace. That’s a lot to be grateful for. Happiness in you thanksgiving. And Happy Thanksgiving.
November 27, 2014 at 12:09 pm
It’s just a matter of finding my way to all of those things. For sure a meeting with you is my future!
November 27, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Happy to be here, Pat.
November 27, 2014 at 10:11 pm
What a lovely post! Thank you my friend for this and those that came before it. You are a real treat!