Mindfully Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I thought I was appropriately grateful for everyone and everything in my life, but it turns out that I was more self-involved than grateful. Case in point:

I sent an email to an author /friend of mine, sharing my genealogy is Karma story about the inexplicable intersection of my husband's family with mine, two hundred forty-eight years ago (see link--GenealogyWise.com/A Genealogist's Most Powerful Tools...).

I first met Judy when she quoted one of my writings in a book she wrote. And then she put another article I wrote on her website as a guest contribution.

So last week I sent her my Genealogy/Karma article, probably hoping she might post my latest article on her website. I asked her to send me positive energy because writing about slavery was very depressing sometimes.

What I got back from her was an email that stopped me cold. In it, she praised my writing and mentioned her wish to find more about her own genealogy. Then she apologized for not writing sooner. She said she has just been diagnosed with MS. But she said she would send me positive "strength, energy and healing vibes."

I thought about that for two days. Wow. I should be sending her energy and strength. Having her send me that email made me think of I how self-involved I can get with my own projects and my interests. I didn't even know she was sick. I didn't even inquire about her health or well-being.

This Thanksgiving Day, may I truly remember my loved ones. May I remember to wonder about their well-being and ask how they are before I tell them how my life is. May I remember to phone my 90+ year old friends and relatives and do it more often.

I am mindfully thankful for everyone in my life and wish only the best to you on this Thanksgiving Day.