Thanksgiving Day In Canada

Today is Thanksgiving Day here in Canada.  It is one of my favorite times of the year.  So many things to be thankful for and so many ways to say it.

For my family, there is too much to say!  Muchos gracias! (Spanish)

For the variety of fantastic friends, who bring different things to the table, Jag Tackar!  (swedish)

For my pet cat of 13 years, Tigger, who is ‘instant stress relief’ everytime I open that door to come home, Arigato!  (japanese)

Those are the things you almost expect to hear at Thanksgiving, but this beautiful day has also made me grateful for things you may not expect.

I am grateful for my home.  At times I struggle being a single person with a mortgage, which makes me appreciate it all the more.  I live outside of the city with a deck that overlooks the beautiful Humber River and after almost two years, I still am grateful every day.  I know that there are many people in the world without a home, so I am very grateful for mine.  Merci Beaucoup!

Reading is one of the joys in my life, and I realize that there are many who aren’t able to read and write, so I am grateful for those gifts in my life.  Also, the people who live without sight inspire me with their courage.  For all of you I am thankful.  Danke!  (german)

I was on my deck yesterday evening listening to music while enjoying the view.  Not only am I grateful for my sense of hearing, but also to the talented people who write and sing beautiful music.  I wonder if you are aware of the gift you share with so many of us.  Blagodarya!  (bulgarian)

And finally a thank you to all the people who make the world a better place, especially those who do it in little ways.  Letting someone out in traffic, opening a door, smiling.  Everyday I see a lot of rudeness, but I try to move past that, thinking they are dealing with their own garbage, and sometimes its going to ‘spew’ out in their every day lives.  I look for the kindness.  And do my best to try and acknowledge the kindness and show my gratitude, in the hope they’ll continue doing the small things that brighten a day.  Doh Je (chinese)

Here’s hoping you spend a minute today thinking of things and people you are thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!

Darlene