Countless things for which to be thankful but a Thanksgiving walk with Francesca provides ample opportunity to reflect with gratitude:
It started raining right as we stepped outside. I looked to her and said, "Do you want to keep going or go back home?" To which she responded emphatically, "Keep going! We don't give up!" I am thankful for her spirit. And for giving me no other choice but to make the most of it, rain or no.
We walked to a playground near by our home. You would never know it's cold and rainy. Francesca was a mermaid! Another thing for which I am thankful: a child who reminds me that life is good and "stuff" doesn't matter. "Stuff" like rules about what one should or shouldn't wear. Yes, to some degree these rules matter. But to another, not so distant degree, they do not. And, yes, this is a fleeting time in our lives, when the magic of a 4 year old girl dictates that she dress somewhat absurdly. But there is a lesson there nonetheless and for that, I have respect and gratitude.
I am thankful Francesca reminds me there is great beauty in silliness, healing in humor, and love grows infinitely.
I am thankful for the strength, perseverance, and determination this girl has. It is a great mirror to remind me of all the strength, perseverance, and determination I contain. Thank you, again, sweet girl.
I am thankful to have a child in my life who reminds me that a wall of ivy is a place of wonder: I wonder why this leaf is brown? I wonder why this leaf is smaller? Look, a new, baby leaf! I wonder why this leaf looks different? I wonder how this plant grows all around the wall with no dirt? I wonder, I wonder, I wonder...what a gift to "wonder".
You are such a gift to us, dear Francesca. We are most thankful for YOU!
Happy Thanksgiving!
