This Thanksgiving

byCydneyB

66 followers

1 month ago

Good morning WA family,

This year, Thanksgiving feels a little different for me. My world shifted when my mom, who I had the honor of caring for, passed away in July after her health quickly declined earlier this year. Her passing came after a night filled with the sound of fireworks—a poignant reminder of both celebration and loss. Her absence is felt deeply today, as she always brought so much love, laughter, and warmth to moments like these.

Being her caregiver was one of the greatest honors of my life. I'm so grateful to really step in to care for my mom who birthed and raised me. The responsibility was not taken for granted. It was much needed time to reconnect, restore, revive, care for and heal each other. It allowed me to witness her strength, her love, and her unwavering spirit up close. Even though she's not physically with us, I feel her presence in so many ways—in the love I’ve been surrounded by, in the lessons she taught me, and in the memories that make me smile even through the tears.

But even in the midst of grief, I find myself incredibly grateful. Grateful for the time I had with her, for the lessons she taught me, and for the memories that keep her spirit alive in my heart. I'm also deeply thankful for my family and friends—for their love, kindness, and support during this time.

Though her passing was difficult, I feel her presence in the small, beautiful things around me, and it gives me strength to keep moving forward. Today, as I share this Thanksgiving meal with our loved ones, I want to celebrate not only the love we have for each other but also the resilience and grace that family and friendship bring during life's hardest moments.

Today, I want to express how truly grateful I am for all of my family and friends. Your kindness and support have been a lifeline for me during this journey. I’m thankful for the moments we share, for the love we give one another, and for the reminder that even in grief, there is so much beauty to be found in connection and togetherness.

Let’s cherish this time together, for it’s moments like these that remind us of how precious life truly is.

As we gather around the table, let’s celebrate the love that binds us and honor those who have shaped our lives, like my mom. I’ll always carry her in my heart, and I’m so thankful to carry each of my loved ones there as well.

Thank you God that I'm still here and that I will continue to move forward with my head up knowing that I got to be strong for myself and my family and friends no matter what. This is a life lesson for all of us that we push past the grief, we deal with the grief, we confront the grief the best way we know how with the help of the Holy Spirit who guides us all of our days on this earth.

May God bless you in this season.