A Thanksgiving TSS Rant

Despite all I am going through in my life right now I know there are many many more worse off than myself.

My brother has a cyst on his back that may be cancerous and he has surgery next week, my uncle is in the hospital and is not well, there are kids sick and dying in the hospital, parents in distress, young folks spending sleepless nights on the streets here, soldiers fighting in Iraq/etc wondering if today will be the day they die.

The issues that affect me directly hurt me personally in ways I could have never imagined, but it would be selfish of me to simply get lost in my own pain while ignoring the pain of others.

So many this day live in fear. A day when most are having a good time with family and eating well there are those out there who want more than turkey and football. I still remember the first year in my house (which I have since lost) - mom was not able to be there as she was in the hospital (she died a little over a month later). I would have traded most anything to have her there with us and not laying in a hospital bed all hooked up to tubes.

Today we count the blessings of the things we DO have. And when I compare the hell my life is now to others I feel lucky. It could be a lot worse.

I have a lot to be upset about, but my little girl has her health and is not laying sick in some damned hospital. I have my friends on DU to rant to, my dad (fundie that he is...) is still alive and well, and I have many other things that are positive I can cling to.

You can't erase the negatives, but today I hope we can all take a few moments and give thanks for what positives we do have - however few they may be. And I hope those good thoughts plant a seed that can grow into a forest of joy over time.

I give thanks today that of all my kids out there I can wake up and see the smile of my little Hannah, and that I don't have to go see her at a hospital. Despite all my pain, the Lord has blessed me. I can deal with not working, having little or no money, the issues with my wife and her health/etc, sad as they make me I still feel blessed because in a few hours my little one will wake up and be glad to see daddy.

Through all the pain you have, try today to find something to be thankful for today. Even if it turns out to be a bad/sad day (as mine probably will be....) that does not mean that on this day you cannot find a few moments to be thankful for that which is good in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving. Could be worse, could be raining (A young Frankenstein Reference)

if anyone deserves a happy day, it's you and your family.

I'm very grateful for many things this year--I have a safe, warm apartment, my doggie, a few good friends, a good-paying job that looks like I may be able to keep for a while, few bills, lots of things to make with my hands, books to read, and DVDs and the internet to entertain and educate me.

I am most greatful for DU, as it has kept me sane the last few years. I hope that we all have a great holiday season and an even better year to come.

Hugs to you all . . . . :hug: