Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

"Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present -- love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure -- the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth."
~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Even and most especially in these moments, that now have defined our lives or have attempted to define Zoey's life,I still find ample opportunity to pause and give thanks.The beauty that surrounds me, in the form of family and friends, is hard to ignore.Although I have yet to come to terms or rather understanding,of all that has occurred in Zoey's young life,it is because of those exact things that I am able to more clearly see all that is still wondrous in my life.The clarity has been often clouded with and shrouded by tears and uncertainty but always the veil is lifted and before me I see miracles and goodness and hope in the form of one small child.This year I have much to be thankful for and gratitude abounds even when partnered with fear.I once again ask that no one feel sorry for us,sad maybe but not sorry and instead feel some measure of envy because we have been given a chance to rejoice in the here and now,acknowledge the future that holds no guarantee and live for right here,right now with the gift of another day together.A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all.May you be surrounded with joy and laughter and those you love.May you take a moment to glance left and right and see those who's struggles far out weigh our own, for it is in doing so that our hearts and minds fully appreciate the goodness of our own days.Peace to you all.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Heather - I see a "book" in your future, your writing, your words, are just so inspiring. Your children, you and Mark and especially Zoey have endured so much in such a short period of time (I'm sure it seems like a lifetime to you) and yet you all march on with such inspiration. Happy Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and THANKS......God Bless the Needham family

R from Otisco

Dawson said...

Happy Thanksgiving guys. You are always in our hearts and prayers

Anonymous said...

Hi Heather, wishing you and your precious family a wonderful, warm, and Happy Thanksgiving. Thinking of you all the time, Christi Harman

Reagan Leigh said...

Heather,
I'm so glad that you are able to spend this time together as a family...at home! It really is such a blessing. And you and Zoey have been such a blessing to me and so many others out there. You are a wonderful mother and a great friend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Tera

Anonymous said...

Heather,

Happy Thanksgiving to your beautiful family! I see the strength of God lifting you up, your faith is inspiring. I'm here for you and love you.

God bless, love Debra Mac

Jeanette said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. You are inspirational. This was a beautiful post. Although I have never met you, I feel like I have. We have prayed so hard for Zoey.

I thought of you yesterday. We went to breakfast at a local place and I saw a boy with DS. Since I work with our local DS association and have a daughter with DS, I approached this young boy and his father. We chatted for a few minutes and I learned that he has luekemia as well. He is 6 years old and doing VERY WELL! Last year was his tough year, and now he is thriving. I instantly thought of sweet Zoey. I could see her as a beautiful 6 year old eating breakfast in a non-descript restraunt with her mother. Just another day.

Anonymous said...

Well said R (from Otisco) Re: book

Heather...
I hope you had a wonderful time with your family... I'm feeling I was so lucky.... when speaking with Mark I heard Zoey.....LIVE all the way from your home to Syracuse, NY. A little squeal of laughter from Zoey....now that was truly a Thanksgiving gift to me here on the East Coast!

Take care

Bluebelle