Thanksgiving '22

This Thanksgiving for me was full of joy and good vibes I would not have expected.. A year ago, my wife and I were going through a very difficult time, and we were separated on Thanksgiving. I spent the day as a guest with the family of a lifelong friend. My family gathered at my home without me. To say the least, it was a difficult time, but a turning point for all of us. We knew then that no matter what happened between my wife and I, that family trumps all, that love covers all... I am not saying that the hurts and pain that brought us to the breaking point last fall easily disappeared. This past year has been painful and difficult, beyond words... both my wife and I have received plenty of "words of wisdom" from people who shared their views and, while some were helpful, many cannot offer "advice" that fits. We have to work out our own lives and how we choose to live... not ignoring the kindness of others or their words of support, but taking it into consideration and moving forward, if possible.
I am happy to say we have come a long way in a year. I give credit where credit is due - to my wife - and I am glad it seems my children have worked through their feelings, too. Thanksgiving, this year, we gathered together at our home - we sat around the same table, covered with the same tablecloth we've used on this day for many years, and I brought out my mother's china dishes, silverware and glasses, just as I have for many years... and the sense of continuity and memories and love filled us all. We never know what another day will bring - there are others who once sat around our table who have passed on, and our memories of them are special. There will come a day when the folks that were here today won't be there. Ultimately, it seems to me, that if more of us were able to put pain and suffering and differences aside, life would be so much better. None of us achieves this easily - life gives us some very difficult events and experiences we have to decide how to deal with them when they come.
I could not be where I am this morning without a family deciding individually and collectively to move through difficult times and be together full of love and joy.
To say I am grateful and full of love this morning is an understatement.