Displaced Beachbums

I once read an article in Time Magazine when I was a teenager living in Puerto Rico. There was a photo of an impoverished African man who laid on the ground and the caption read something like this: he comes from no where and has no where to go. He lays here waiting.

As I sat on a gorgeous beach, with my picnic lunch and read the article, I was overcome with gratitude for the life I was living. I knew then and there I was ‘priviledged’ ~ my family was far from rich but I felt like I owned the world.

Ever since then, I have been grateful EVERYDAY for everything in my life, even the challenges which only serve to make me stronger and more appreciative of what I do have.  My first thought each new day is “Thank you, God, for giving me one more day on this glorious earth.” And at the end of each day, I once again thank God for my day’s blessings. I am grateful to have shelter, running water and electricity which may seem so basic but, I always remember that some people have to walk miles for water and all I do is turn the faucet.  

On this Thanksgiving day, I am especially thankful for:

FM and FG who love me unconditionally. 

Good health.

Family and friends who, although they are far away,  continue to support and encourage me.

I want for nothing (OK ~ I do want a house on Puako Beach in Hawai) 😉

For living in a tropical paradise and meeting the wonderfully diverse group of  people on the island.

For having traveled all my life and knowing there is more goodness in the world than evil.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.   (John F. Kennedy)

Happy Thanksgiving to all !