"Thanksgiving Through the Storms"

 

Dear Readers,

I have seen my fair share of life’s storms. Loss, rejection, loneliness they had come at me like waves, threatening to knock me down. Yet, as Thanksgiving approached this year, I found myself reflecting on how, despite it all, I was still standing.

It began early in the morning when I sat outside my apartment, watching the sunlight cut through the clouds and hit me on the face. with my eyes closed and with a deep breath I thought for awhile "Even after the darkest nights," "the sun still rises." That simple truth stayed with me as I went about preparing for the day.

I decided to cook a small meal, not for a grand gathering but for myself and the memories I carried. my black cat, Midnight, and white cat, Snowy, kept me company, weaving around my legs as I cooked. "At least I’ll always have you two," I said with a smile, stroking their soft fur.

While peeling potatoes for my signature dish Choris Pau (Sausage Bread), I thought of the many challenges I had faced. The scars on my head reminded me of an accident that had nearly taken my life. Yet here I am, alive and able to give thanks. The memories of my children tugged at my heart a bittersweet ache but I whispered a prayer of gratitude for the time they had shared and the hope of reconnection someday.

As the smell of roasted Sausages filled the air, I remembered my stay at a Cottage in Goa. The kindness of strangers there had warmed me during a difficult time, proving that compassion exists even when life feels cruel.

By the time the meal was ready, my heart was full of gratitude, not just for the good times but for the resilience the hard times had taught me. I set the table with care, lighting a candle as a symbol of hope.

Sitting down, I raised my glass and spoke aloud, as though addressing the universe:

"Thank you, God, for being there by my side, for every moment that tested me, and for every person who lifted me. Thank you for the strength to keep going, even when the road felt endless. Thank you for the beauty in the small things a cat’s purr, the warmth of the sun, the aroma of home-cooked food. The roof over my head and the bed to sleep, No matter what, I rise, and for that, I’m deeply grateful."

As I ate, I felt a quiet peace settle over me. Midnight curled up on my lap, Snowy snoozed by the music system, and the candle burned steadily, a reminder that light persists even in darkness.

This Thanksgiving, I realized, it wasn’t just about the good times. It was about every moment that had shaped me, every lesson learned, and every reason to be thankful even in the storms.

Because no matter what life threw my way, I knew one truth: I would always rise.

Reflection

Life is a series of highs and lows, a tapestry woven with moments of joy and challenges. It’s easy to give thanks when life is good, but true gratitude comes from recognizing the lessons in hardship and the beauty in perseverance. Every setback is a step toward growth, and every storm is a chance to discover our strength.

This Thanksgiving, let us embrace gratitude not just for the victories but for the struggles that shaped us. Let us give thanks for the small joys, the unseen blessings, and the quiet moments that remind us to keep rising. Because no matter what, there is always light waiting to break through the clouds.

God Bless Us All…

Jacob M