I have something I'm grateful for [View all]

[Marthe48]

So far, my grandkids only have to worry about the small stuff. Just an example: One of my grands is getting braces off today. They have a choice about taking the whole day off school, or going part of the day. This is a milestone, another rite of passage. They could be living with a fantasy of a perfect smile, or getting cavities filled, so many alternate realities. But they will get the braces off and live with a retainer for another year or two. And so, their life follows a hopeful trajectory.

I'm grateful they aren't in trouble, that they take school seriously, that their parents guide them through the formative years so the kids can decide who they are and what they want to be. I'm grateful that they are assuming responsibility as they grow, and even if they do things in their own time, they do it. I'm grateful for the daily acts of kindness and consideration each one offers spontaneously to friends and strangers alike. I'm glad that they are good kids and that so far, life hasn't slapped them upside the head.

It is such a small thing, that won't make the news. But it is the most precious gift and I'm grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving!