Thanksgiving...A day to celebrate and give thanks

Well, another Thanksgiving is upon us. A time of spending the day with family and friends. Reflecting on the past year and appreciating those that we still have to share the day with.

The holidays can be rough. For some very rough. Suicides are on the rise and the state of the economy is still shaky at best. For some, the holidays are a reminder of those we have lost this past year. Empty seats at a Thanksgiving table where once those we loved shared are laughter together.

Instead of being depressed, we must give thanks for what we still have. The people we still have in our lives who can be taken away in an instant. 

My family suffered major losses this past year. It's hard when you live so far away in Florida that I miss the daily closeness of my cousins and the wonderful people they have become. Even though I live so far, grief can often grip my soul. Out of sight, out of mind doesn't exist for me. I truly miss being a part of "The family." The holidays bring this all to a head.

I admire those who carry on even though their hearts are broken. Loss is something that never gets easier. When your together as a family it makes the hurt less approachable.

Living for so long in Florida I've gotten used to the holidays being different down here. The weather is in the 80's and beautiful. No coats or snow ever come our way. Hurricane season is over. (Thank God!) So I give thanks for us not having to go without electricity and water and go refugee for weeks on end. Mother nature was kind this past year.

So to all my readers this author says have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Forget about the grumpy uncles and the people we invite who drive us mad most of the year. Instead live in the moment. Look at each of those faces and appreciate the fact that you still have a family. A family is a gift from God. So when your feeling depressed, smile and take in the day. That's what family is all about......Peace and Love, Lisa

For anyone in the Palm Beaches who is struggling with an addiction, the following links may be helpful. CARP is a detox center which also takes in people who are not working and cannot pay for their treatment. It's an excellent facility with a terrific staff. Here is their link:  http://www.carpinc.org/   The second rehab center is also in West Palm Beach, Hazelden Treatment Center. An excellent treatment center that also takes in teens and adults alike. Here is their link:  http://www.hazelden.org/web/landing.view