The Harvest

Another thanksgiving weekend is here in Canada. As always, it’s a time to consider the many things we have in our lives and show gratitude. Many of us will be eating the traditional thanksgiving meal or a version to suit our particular dietary needs. That in itself is something to be very grateful for. It’s not everyone who can afford a dinner like that, or can choose to have dietary needs for that matter. I am very grateful that for me a thanksgiving dinner has always been part of my life; not necessarily because I could always afford it - I couldn’t many years - but because I have a very loving family that has always been there for one another. A member of the family without this meal was unthinkable.

I am also learning more about why the thanksgiving holiday isn’t necessarily something to be celebrated by all. It never occurred to me growing up as I did, namely white and of European decent, that this marked the start of an invasion of the lands once traveled freely by native tribes. It wouldn’t be long after thanksgiving that massacres began of the indigenous people that the colonizers decided were interfering with their goals. I think I’ll refer to it as the harvest celebration from now on. I’m grateful that I have the ability to learn and to open my mind to the opinions and experiences of others and that I have the ability to empathize, even if that feels inadequate often.

I am so very grateful for so many things in my life. For the country that I live in, where there are many freedoms not available in many countries. I’m grateful that just yesterday I was able to cast my vote in the federal election and have my say. I’m grateful for the roof over my head, my warm bed and a fridge that is full. I’m grateful for the people in my life, from my partner to my family and friends to those who continually bring me lessons (not always ones I wanted!). I’m grateful for the opportunity I have to share my thoughts and my journey with others. I’m so grateful for my 19 years of sobriety that changed my life so much. And of course, I’m very grateful for the new to me kidney that I received 19 months ago and that I feel so strong and capable now.

There’s so much to be grateful for in our lives when we look. Life can be very hard, there’s no question about it. But when we are able to continue to breathe and have new opportunities every day, we are lucky.

I wish you a wonderful harvest celebration and hope that your bounty is full.