Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The necessity of Thanksgiving time



A lovely young boy I once knew grew up to be a 23-year-old man who recently decided he no longer wanted to live in this world and so he took his own life. He was such a gentle, shy, polite little boy. I think he was 12 when I last saw him. To think then that he would be ending his life a mere 11 years later would have been unimaginable. How could this happy little boy have gotten to such a point in his life?

Unfortunately, a quick internet search has revealed to me that global suicide tolls exceeds war and murder. And that doesn't even take into account the attempted suicides. Every 4 seconds, someone in this world ends their life. And unfortunately, the rate goes up around the holiday season. There has also been an increase in suicide of young people aged 15-25.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that one has to be thankful for. No matter how dark things appear around us, we must seek out and concentrate on the good things that are still there. Sometimes things happen to us that make it hard to perceive any good in the world. It's at those times that we must try even harder to cast the gloom aside. Life changes constantly and each day is a new beginning. We must grab hold of those new beginnings when we are at our lowest.

Personally, I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have a beautiful daughter who is healthy and well. My mom, who went through a frightening medical adventure last year at this time, is doing better. I have a warm home and good food and live in a safe neighborhood. I have two pets who give me constant love and I have many friends who have been so supportive of me. I'm at a good place in my life. Looking back, I can remember times when I felt that my world would never be good again. But things change and if love has been lost, love can be found again. And if friends have betrayed you, new friends will come along. And no matter how long dark clouds hover over you, the sun will come out again. This Thanksgiving, reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. And if those things are hard to see right now, trust that your future will be better. And give yourself a chance to know that future and to enjoy all that's ahead for you.

A blessed Thanksgiving to all of you.

5 comments:

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Inspiring post..I am thankful for my fabulous new internet friends this year. I have met so many talented and funny woman from all over the world and I love them all. Of course my family is and will always be what I am the most thankful for. Have a great Thanksgiving!
your friend,
Janet

Unknown said...

Isn't it wonderful how many friends can be found on this marvelous internet! Thanks for your comment and I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving. All the best to you.

Azure Accessories said...

Wonderful post...there truly is so much to be thankful for if we only look!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Cheers

Giovanna said...

Thank you for such an inspiring post Marjorie! It's very sad to see people not wanting to live anymore when life is so wonderful, but I can't judge them and their circumstances. We have to give thanks for so many wonderful things, I'm especially thankful for having health, family, love and new friends like you that I met through the internet :) I don't need anything else. Hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving day my dear!
xoxo
Giovanna
www.bohomarket.blogspot.com

Catwalk Creative Vintage said...

Marjorie. I love this post. It's beautiful, caring and heart warming. I'm certainly thankful I know you. Have a wonderful thanksgiving dear friend. :)