Every year we sit around the table filled with tasty traditions
Every year we ask the same question
"What are you thankful for?"

I'm thankful for the searing pain that has coursed through my veins
like a fire that couldn't be stopped
because I'd never be this strong without it

I'm thankful for the hot tears that have run down my cheeks
like the warm spring streams running through parks
because I wouldn't know what grief was like with out it

I'm thankful for the people who caught me when I was falling so fast that I couldn't cry out for help
For the people who held me up when I couldn't stand on my own two feet for more than a mere few seconds
because without them I wouldn't know what true friendship was

I'm thankful for the people who made me laugh
Who made me forget there was ever pain
because without them I would have never seen the light in life

I'm thankful for the people who cared for me when I couldn't care for myself
Who through the years have held my hand when times were scary
Who wiped tears away when life hurt
And helped me through the growing pains of life
Because with out them I wouldn't know who I am today

I'm thankful for the opportunities
The opportunity to explore the world
The opportunity to find the most knowledge I can fit into my head
Without these I wouldn't know how blessed I truly am.

I am thankful for the happiness that I have in my life
the smiles and the sunshine that is found in everyday
without these I wouldn't know what was joy

I am thankful for the scars that are invisible and visible
the visible ones hold stories and power and remind me that I can conquer anything
the invisible ones hold logic yet understanding reminding me to proceed with caution
With out these I would not understand healing

I am thankful for the human kindness I have received
The hugs of healing
The words of encouragement and wisdom
The shoulder squeezes of reassurance
The shared strength and perseverance
Without these I would not know hope

I am thankful for the patience of others
The times others held me close when nothing was outwardly wrong
The times when I didn't live up to my word yet they still trusted me
With out this I wouldn't have faith in myself

So as you sit around your thanksgiving feast
And you ask each one what they are thankful for
remember it's not about the food
It's not about the pilgrims and the Native Americans
It's remembering to say thank you to all the people in your life that matter.

**So Thank you for being there

I'm thankful for God
I'm infinitely blessed
And without Him
I'd have no strength

I'm thankful for my family
They're my pillar in this world
My support system
My purpose

I'm thankful for my dog
I've never known such an unconditional love
My dog is my light
An extension of me

I'm thankful for my friends
The ones that have my back
And tell me the truth
We laugh together, think together
Expanding our minds

I'm thankful for the boy
Who gives me his whole heart
Says I'm his saving grace
He makes me feel worthy
Of the world

I'm thankful for my university
The thing that gives me hope
Makes me feel like I have direction
And a fighting chance in this society

I'm thankful for the mistakes
For they taught me how to grow
And better myself
Be the real me

I'm thankful to those who have wronged me
The liars, players, cheaters, and users
They've shown me what I really deserve
And what not to tolerate

I'm thankful for nature
Where I find peace in solitude
The flowers, the sun, the moon, and stars
They're my guide to faith and positivity

Lastly,
I'm thankful for my poetry
Even though I'm not the best
It's given me a place to express myself
When I had no where else to go

Thankful.....

I am thankful for the friends I have
few...but good and true

I am thankful for earthly angels
In my life I have two

I am thankful for a family
so close yet far away
For they love me unconditionally
even when I go a stray

I am thankful for the soul
that I possess
and when I see true human
tenderness

I am thankful for this heart and mind
and the ability to leave the darkness behind

I am thankful....

thankful to be free

I am thankful...

thankful to be me

Im thankful for the sunshine, and thankful for the night.
Im thankful for this one time, and thankful things go right.
Im thankful for the weather, wind snow rain and ice.
Im thankful for whatever, comes my way that’s nice.
Im thankful for my mother, and her sacrifice.
Im thankful for my father, who gave me much advice.
Im thankful for the bad days, for the good follow’s behind.
And thankful for babies, on parents they depend.
Im thankful for so much more, this list will never end.
Most of all im thankful , because you are my true friend

Be thankful because you are blessed
Take nothing for granted being less
God loves all and that is a confess
Be thankful for food on your table
You are can be on your clothes and move in being able
Knowledge was stored in your years
You are blessed to have a loving family perhaps ones you never considered like family
I could go on and on
Thankful in having appreciation
Be thankful to God in the association
Be thankful from things on high
You have been given the breath of life from thy
No need for me to justify
There is no question to answer why
Thankful alone is what it states
This is something we all need to relate
Start appreciating one another
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know your sister or brother
Be thankful for what you have
It doesn’t matter if it is not much
The fact you have something, be thankful
Thanksgiving is about sharing and fellowship
But here’s the tip
Togetherness is encouraging one another with the message you can make it
Be thankful from the heart, a smile from the lips, and laughter in fun in appreciating any person
Be Thankful, Gracious, Supportive and Love

We give thanks for all who have
enriched our lives with their presence;
may we honor them
by always being present for others.

We give thanks for those who
selflessly serve in our armed forces,
for the quiet sacrifices
of their family and friends
and for those who witness for peace
and work to end the conflicts of war.

We are thankful for the tears of the poor
and their example of fortitude
in the daily struggle to live
and for those that extend a hand
and offer a vision of hope
and a pathway to advancement.

We are thankful for our rich abundance
and the blessed spirit that leads us
to generously share it with others.

We are thankful for wise thoughtful teachers
and students that are eager
to use that wisdom to better the world.

We are thankful for courageous truth tellers
and the hard truths they speak
and to people of good will that are open
and willing to listen and act on those truths.

We are thankful for the care givers
and their veneration of life
and to those who receive care
and fill the heart of the giver
with fathomless gratitude.

We are thankful for people
of humility and good will
and their blessed example
of quiet service and grace.

We are thankful for children
as an embodiment of our hopes
and the future flowering
of our greatest aspirations.

We are thankful for
our animal friends
and their example
of trusted companionship
and unconditional love.

We are thankful for sobriety
and our ability to discern,
see, discover and experience
the daily grace life confers upon us.

We are thankful for those
who are no longer with us,
may our time on earth be
a blessing to others
as they were to us.

We are thankful to
a higher power
that keeps us right sized,
humble and grateful for
one more day on life's path.

Selah

Wishing All the Beloved
a Happy Thanksgiving

Peace and Prayers

Music Selection:
Shirley Horn, Here's To Life

Oakland
11/25/09
jbm

I'm thankful for the times my heart has broken.
I'm thankful for the stresses I've been through.
I'm thankful for the times I thought I couldn't make it.
I'm thankful for the times I've had to make do.
I'm thankful for the friends I've lost.
I'm thankful for the times I've cried.
I'm thankful for the difficult moments.
I'm thankful for all the times I've tried.
All of these things made me who I am,
Without them I wouldn't be this strong.
I'm a fighter and I can face it all,
I'm thankful for all that's ever gone wrong.