Here we are. We made it to Thanksgiving….2020 style but hey, it counts. We survived. Whether you ordered in and celebrated small, had a large, homemade family feast, or cheered your loves virtually, I hope you were able to enjoy this time together. A time to laugh, go back for a second helping and reflect on everything to be Thankful for this year.
Today is officially the first Sunday of Advent: A Week of Hope. My little family of four read the passage for today’s message as we lit the first candle. The candle of hope. What does that word mean to you? HOPE: a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. I feel personally close to this word. This week marks the anniversary of Katie’s first brain surgery. It’s hard to believe it has been a decade ago. When I go back to that time I am so thankful I continued to journal. In the dark, still moments to the bright triumphs of a breakthrough in the form of a smile or a first step. If you are new to my blog or maybe you have only read a few entries, this is a good week to start with and work you way forward.
Journal entry by Barbara Bradley — Nov 25, 2010 Happy Thanksgiving! I know this update comes late. Katie had meds due at 11pm so instead of risking waking her and her not going back to sleep I kept her up. I got an email today from either Barnes and Noble or Borders with the subject line: Tomorrow is…
I’ll give you an easy out….this post is in good humor but I do mention Covid and Biden and even the Bible (WHAT?!) So if that offends you, off you go. The rest of you, have fun. I think we all need a laugh right now.
So I had my boobs checked today. Very important but equally uncomfortable at the same time. As I waited in my tiny changing room for Jessica AKA The Boob Crusher to come get me, I wrote a little poem. (Interestingly, I do a lot of writing at doctor offices and hospital rooms. That’s where I wrote Dream Big Henry!” Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is next week.
What’s Thanksgiving mean to you? For many of us, Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, four-day weekends, football, stretchy pants and a drunk Uncle. Oh and some quality time with our family and friends. For me, it’s also the gateway to Christmas festivities. You may now put up the tree and lights…..or turn on the ones you didn’t take down last year. Either way, proceed.
According to lore, Thanksgiving began as the celebration of a bountiful harvest. It was – and still is – a time to reflect and give thanks through a meal shared with friends and loved ones.
How does the Bible weigh in? This is possibly the best way to look at Thanksgving for 2020. I think we all need to hear this:
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Disclaimer: As we approach the holidays please continue to make good choices. Wear masks, wash your hands and don’t get right up in people’s space. Other than that, despite what any politician or the like tells you……there is not a single other thing you can do right now. So please, spend time with your family and be grateful for the time with them as you meditate on all your many blessings. Don’t stay home alone. It is a proven fact that we need fellowship. It’s a part of our DNA. We need each other. I fear any leader that says the opposite. That said, take a breather and stop being afraid to live. Like it or not, this is going to be around for a while. (If I’m raising your blood pressure, why have daycares been open this entire time?…hmmm. How much closer can you get to a petri dish than a daycare? Points to ponder. But yes, widespread fear in panic is where it’s at.)
Now to the fun part, after all that introduction….I didn’t write a thesis or anything novel-worthy. Just a poem. A poem written pre-mammogram in a tiny gown. A poem for you. A poem for me. A poem to be read in the cadence of Santa Claus in Coming to Town.
Ohhhhh......You better watch out, you better not shout,
the Covid police are all about.
Biden's sending them to your home.
They see you when you're eating, they know you're having fun.
They know you can't make decisions, so he'll tell you how it's done.
Oh, wear that mask and wash those hands,
you thought you made Thanksgiving plans.
Biden's coming to ruin your day...."Come on man."
When Grandpa starts the carving and wants to say amen,
it better not be a turkey....
But just a little hen.
They recommend you zooming and staying home alone.
You may as well build that bunker, and sit your ass at home.
All kidding aside, I'm just having fun.
This year please remember, it's been quite the one.
So do your day as you wish,
and eat your favorite dish.
But don't forget to close the blinds,
Because the dems recommend that we snitch. (look it up)