Well, a real life colleague/friend who is also a facebook friend recently suggested that people post what they are thankful for as their facebook status messages every day during the month of November. This seemed like such a good idea. And there's plenty I'm thankful for, too, like the preschoolers who are always exasperating and then charming me. And the friends I have online and offline. And being able to work from home (even though sometimes I get so lonely I'm ready to jump out of my skin.) And my darling husband who I hope to someday spend time with again. Not to mention my health. Or other family who I adore.
But every day when I thought about what to say I was thankful for I just stopped. Husband? Well I know people who are alone and who would like to be coupled up. Preschoolers? Well, you know. It sucks to want babies when you may not have them ever. Getting to talk to both my parents last Friday night? Yeah, I know plenty of people who wish their parents were still around.
So I decided not to post anything like that. I didn't want to add, on a daily basis, to the pain of someone who was longing for something so much it hurt. And I posted that as my facebook status and a couple of people liked it.
And then I posted something as my facebook status, which felt much better. "I am thankful for all the moments I've shared with you. Thank you :) " That felt provocative to me. And true. And it honored the spirit of the holiday at the same time it talked about what really matters -- the moments and human connections.
And I meant it. Good or bad, all those moments have been a miracle. And same goes for anyone who is reading this now. I'm thankful for what we have shared.
(And if you want to be my facebook friend you can click here to get to my profile and friend me. I'm only doing this in one direction right now, i.e. telling my blog friends about my facebook profile and my real life. Ya know? I trust you.)
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