My Thanksgiving 2008
As a person ages, perspectives and priorities change. (Hold that thought, and back-peddle with me 40 years.)
I can remember seething inside when, in my twenties, some older person would say, "Just wait. You're young. You'll see it differently when your my age."
Inside, I would be saying, "You are a shithead."
Confession moment: (Okay now we're back in present) I do refer to my youth as the 'dark ages.' Only because I think it's funny. Not because I think I was stupid or ignorant or blissfully unaware.
If anything, age has deepened my experience and love for my commitments - and yes - opinions - those ideas held in my youth.
With the possible exception of having to 'grow up' because I could no longer drown my emotional pain in ethanol, my deep and sustained respect for my fellow humans has not changed - except to amplify and expand my commitment. I've grown to appreciate the ability to slow down and 'hear' the earth and plants and nature's beauty.
I offer my profound gratitude for my family, my friends, my family's friends and family.
For my husband, John, and his mother, Memo, and ex-wife, Gay.
For Eric, Laura, and Sophia and their extended friends in New York, California, and Texas.
For my brother, David, his friends in Oklahoma and Texas.
For my brother, Dick and his wife, Jo, their children, Adam and Megan, Adam's fiance, Valerie, Megan's husband, Scotty, and their two children, Amber and Brandon, and for the extended family and friends in Jo's family (brother, Elliot, sister Debbie and family) and Scotty's family.
For my son, Saul and his wife, Desiree, and their four children, Austin, Jordyn, Taylor, and Saul Keoni, and Des's wonderful family and friends.
For my son, Derek, and his wife, Nancy, and their son, Iain, and all their family extensions.
My gratitude extends to the glimmer of hope that our country will heal and arise into a more powerful and humble nation. My gratitude embraces the possibility of the Universe and the possibility of my continued learning as I acknowledge my state of teachability (and ignorance).
Mother Earth is so powerful. Yet, as she is powerful to me, she is dwarfed by the unknown in space. The possibilities, and thus the gratitude, are astonishing.
As boundaries do not limit infinite love, gratitude is not limited and can continue to grow and expand throughout a lifetime.
So, all you young whipper-snappers out there: Will you see it differently when you're my age? Will you change your opinions and dogma because, being young, you don't know any better?
I don't know. And I don't care. What I do care about is your experience, and your searching for life's meanings, possibilities, and potential because that's where the fun is! Searching for the God of your understanding, who can transform anything (or everything.)
Many blessings to your adventure in expanding your loving capabilities. And on this Thanksgiving, for all that you are, I underscore: I'm truly grateful.
Love,
Sharon
Mamaood
Tress
Zelda
Mamamoto