Light Friday
What are you thankful for?
I want to share a day after Thanksgiving morning daydream with you. It’s the early 1990’s and we’re visiting my parents in the home I grew up in. The white tract-ish home is nestled on a sleepy, south facing cul-de-sac just north of San Francisco. We walk up the red brick stairs to the second floor and through the front door. The living room is to the right and the dining room to the left, spaces we’ll spend the majority of our time Thanksgiving weekend, along with the kitchen of course.
The living room is cozy and clutter-free. A simple fireplace against the back wall, framed by book shelves holding an atlas, a few treasured titles, and carvings dad bought on a business trip to Nigeria years ago. A duo of dusty pink matching couches on either side of a coffee table, the top handmade stained glass. Light streams in through the windows and the sliding glass door, warming the hardwood floor.
I take my place on a couch facing the sunlight and look out on grassy hills. My breath calms, grateful for this place of solace created and maintained by my mom and dad. A savored space away from the chaos and craziness of raising young children. (Which my parents knew a thing or two about, raising six of us born in a span of eight years).
I’d love to hear what you are thankful for in your life, past or present. In honor of say, Light Friday. In this season approaching winter solstice, what brings you light?
Looking forward to your replies in the comments!
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Peace and Love, Katie B.
We had dinner yesterday with my daughter and her family and in-laws. As I watched the two grandchildren play and fuss (it was the youngest one's birthday and the older one was pouty all day), I was thankful for the health and educational opportunities my daughter has made possible for them. I was happy to hear the joking banter between everyone and noted the changed dynamic between them after years of rancur and grievance. Most of all, though, I am grateful for my husband. He is my best friend, body guardian, and tutor in all things that interest him. He's taught me so much over the years and has added so much to my life. We have weathered lots of tough times during our 43 year old marriage. As we age together, accumulating our physical limitations and growing deeper into our emotional interactions, I am so thankful that we can finally share our deepest thoughts and fears. There's been a shift between us that allows us to speak freely as we carefully navigate touchy subjects. We've learned how to bypass the negatives. It is so invigorating to experience a closeness that we've never had before. That is indeed a blessing.