Alex got a job. A real job. Nothing glamorous, but it is a job with benefits and it will sustain him with a steady income as he sorts out plans for his future. Reassuring when the job statistic I heard this week is that the average search takes nine months. He’s been determined, and driven, and yes, even desperate; but also fortunate. And I’m thankful that he’ll have some direction as he makes a fresh start.
Thanksgiving is coming quickly, and Alex was supposed to come up for the week. But now he won’t…not good timing since he just began the new position last Monday. I’ll miss him. But I’ll still have a grateful heart that he’s well, and he’s back in the home of his heart, the Colorado mountains.
Thanksgiving is a holiday, but it’s also a season of the spirit. I like to think I’m always grateful, that I carry that around in my heart. But there are some things that bring an extra measure of gratitude, and this is one of those times. To hear, after weeks of phone calls, listening to the mix of hope and anxiety, the litany of possibilities for work…to hear the excitement in his voice again…that’s something special.
This has been a challenging year for both my kids. Some things have gone well, but not everything. And that’s life. No one gets everything they want. But thank God, my kids have what they need. And as their mom, that makes this Thanksgiving more than just a holiday. I don’t even need the pumpkin pie to celebrate….just the words on the other end of the line…”Hi mom!” And the tone in the voice.
The unthankful heart… discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! ~Henry Ward Beecher
Grace and Life 
Whenever I think of the things I am grateful for, my son tops the list. All of the moms feel your pride in this post and your joy. It’s hard when the kids become adults, but rewarding as well. Happy Thanksgiving.
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You know, I honestly think it is harder to be a parent at this stage than when they were younger…I’m not sure if it is about having less control…although I don’t think I’m trying to be controlling..I think it’s more the realization that as adults, the decisions your kids make can have big consequences…you can’t always jump in and save them. But it is wonderful when things work out! And I’m sleeping better these nights! I’m sure you understand that too, one mom to another! ~ Sheila
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Sheila, this brought tears to my eyes as I know what the voice of pain in a grown child sounds like. I can hear Alex saying “Hi, Mom” with a hint of hope that all will be OK…a gift to celebrate indeed! Oh, that we all can learn to be grateful to have maybe not all we think we want, but certainly all we need.
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Thank you Ann, I know you understand this too. A friend of mine says you’re only as happy as your unhappiest child. I had to think about that for a bit, but I think she’s right. Hard to know your kids are unhappy! Alex still has a lot to sort out, but at least he’s made a beginning. ~ Sheila
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How wonderful…us Moms will always have our kids in our minds…so glad for your son…Happy Thanksgiving!…mkg
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Thank you! I hope you’ll have a wonderful Thanksgiving too and enjoy your grandkids especially! ~ Sheila
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Thanks Shelia!
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When the kids are doing well, life is so very good isn’t it! Happy Thanks…..giving.
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Yes, it’s amazing how my world is impacted by my kids. Well, once a mother, always a mother! ~ Sheila
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MJ hit the nail on the head. As a mom,it’s so reassuring to know your kids are well and happy!
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Yes, I sleep better when I know they’re well! ~ Sheila
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There is nothing that feels better than knowing your kids are OK.
Thanksgiving did indeed, come early! 🙂
MJ
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Yes, my anxiety level has been considerably lowered the last few days! Better now for sure! ~ Sheila
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When a heart is living in the state of gratitude, it is in love. 😀
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You know, I feel that gratitude is so important. I think it is almost the most important thing we can do. I used to think that having a positive outlook was a major key to living a happy life. But now I think the key is gratitude. Thanks for the lovely thought! ~ Sheila
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Been there, done that. With seven daughters (in fact two live in Ketchikan) and one son, I can fully relate to what you’ve been going through…x 4. 😉
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Oh my goodness! I can’t imagine having four times as many anxieties as I have with my two. They’re pretty stable, and for the most part haven’t caused too much stress. But I find adult issues…jobs, relationships, the big things…so much more stressful than the issues of childhood and the teen years. Maybe that’s because there’s so little I can do for them at this point…I try to listen, and give simple advice when I can, and then I just have to wait and see how things turn out. I think that’s the most difficult part…waiting mode.
Hey, do you ever visit Ketchikan? I would love to meet you and your daughters! Wouldn’t that be fun? ~ Sheila
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