A Poem of Thanksgiving

THANKS

It's that time of year.

Crisp and cold.  And almost Thanksgiving.

I remember Thanksgiving dinners at Grandpa and Grandma 

Rosenthal's.

Grandpa at the head of the table,

carving the turkey with a ninja sword knife.

Grandma's carefully manicured hands,

offering us French cut green beans with

 almonds.

We little ones at the children's table, 

olives on our f ingers, all around.

Most of all at Thanksgiving, I remember hands, clasped around  the table,

heads bowed, words of thanks offered.

I'm thankful this year for hardworking hands

nurturing hands 

welcoming hands

loving hands

olive-adorned hands.

If we can just keep holding hands

with each other,

and with the One who created us all, we'll be okay.

Thanksgiving Blessings. 

-Pastor Joan

Pastor Joan, Chaplain at Sunny View Retirement Community, was a beautiful shining light to residents and staff and a gift to all who knew her. She passed away last March surrounded by friends and family and her faithful dog Benji .

Gratitude

by Mika Miller, Director of Resident Services at Carlsbad By The Sea

Daily I come to a place VOID of Youth – I have gratitude 

Listen carefully, approach softly, minds without clarity – I have gratitude

Speak loudly - diminished hearing – I have gratitude 

Build relationships to counter doubt and fear - I have gratitude

Pace slowly for those – whose stamina is NOT – I have gratitude


And in this place of “VOID” I am surrounded by GRATITUDE


GRATITUDE that people have slowed down to enjoy life, friends, family, purpose

GRATITUDE that through lack of clarity we can connect in new ways

GRATITUDE that speaking clearly and loudly allows time and better recognition of the REAL conversation

GRATITUDE to be able to build relationships on TRUST and that through the “VOIDS” we have created a safer and larger space in which to connect.

GRATITUDE that going slowly for others gives a better perspective on truly living

GRATITUDE that in the “lack of” there is actually more; more understanding, more depth or experience; and for that I am grateful.