Thanksgiving - That has Stuck with Me.

This Thanksgiving week, I pause today to count my blessings and be in the thanksgiving state of mind and being.

Remembrance:

I remember my Dad who passed away in the early 80s at the age of 50 when I was 16 suffering from a chronic illness and experiencing sudden death.  In the few years I got to know him man-to-man, he always taught me to count my blessings, even though he was staring at early death 24 hours a day. – That has stuck with me.

I remember my grandmother who lived a long life and gave me glimpses of spirituality via the books she read and left lying around her home.  All I saw was the pictures of these early Indian philosophers who I would study in depth later in life.  She provided shelter to me, my brother and Mom, when no one else did after losing my Dad.   – That has stuck with me.

I remember my math tutor who landed up being my coach and mentor after I lost my Dad. He taught me to never give up, to fight and brought out my inner resilience to tackle outward challenges from simply having some quiet space to study to withstand changes I was experiencing.  – That has stuck with me.

I remember an old Texan man from Fort Worth.  He instantly befriended me in the 90s and shared with me his basic values of simple living and being truly grounded. He made me appreciate hard work, being patriotic, being friendly and gentle with all and holding true to the rugged individualism of the American way of life. – That has stuck with me.

I remember a true old woman of the southwest from New Mexico.  She showed me affection, love, embraced me and told me old stories of her life that I will never forget.  She had style, swag, bravado of a truly western born woman and taught me little things of life that actually matter. – That has stuck with me.

Today:

I give thanks to many people in my life that are alive and well and make a difference.  I give thanks to the lessons and little things that I am constantly learning. - That has stuck with me.

Final Thoughts:

Deeds matter. Action matters.  All else is noise.  If you are truly thankful for those living among you, show them appreciation, thank them often and love them. 

Remember those who have passed away for who they truly were and not some glorified and created memory to make up for your inability to show them love while they were alive.

Laugh and have fun with those who are living and those who have passed.  There is no law or rule preventing you from being in that mode.

And finally, as my teacher has taught me and says this often: The last thought we should all have as we leave this existence is so simple and yet so profound:  “There is nothing serious going on!”. - That has stuck with me.

Be Mindful.