I’m Thankful

I’m thankful for the day I spontaneously drove to the city to let a moth go because my daughter was afraid that it was going to be “sprayed.” We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge then played in the park till the fog rolled in; I can’t even remember what priority I let go of that day but we still talk about the moth we saved from the controversial spray scheduled for our neighborhood that year.

I’m thankful for the fly that came to dinner. Apparently he had suffered a broken wing and both my daughters had nursed him back to health only to have him escape from their room, leaving the ants still nibbling on the snacks they had put in the box for him. My husband was about to kill him at the table when they screamed out and confessed. The fly sat still hoping their efforts weren’t in vain. That Sunday night the table was full of laughter and everyone enjoyed a good meal.

And finally, I’m thankful for the Rainbow Fish, that famous children’s book about teaching friendship. The Rainbow Fish taught our four year old that anyone can give; it doesn’t take a checkbook to make a difference in someone’s life. When she wished that she too had scales to share, I mentioned that she could give her long hair as there are many kids who had lost their own to illness. My ten year-old, who frets over her long hair daily, immediately said let’s donate to “Locks of Love” so our hair could be made into wigs. The salon fit us in and everyone watched in shock and awe, wondering if we would go through with it. We did, and afterwards we put lip gloss on and ran around the center’s fountain tossing pennies with well wishes for the kids who would receive new wigs from our donation.

One of the greatest lessons in life is learning to celebrate what you have and then sharing what you have with others.  Happy Thanksgiving.