Just a brief hello and a wish to all of you that you and yours have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving today. To my friends from different parts of the world — those who don’t celebrate this holiday that we do in America — I wish the same for you.
It is sunny and beautiful where I am. We won’t have a “traditional” Thanksgiving today but I have so much to be thankful for.
My loved one is improving and as I sit here this morning before we begin the whirlwind that has been my life lately, I am so grateful for the enormous blessings in my life.
I am grateful for my life, my husband, my health, my family and the magnitude of love in my life. I am grateful for all of you who’ve checked in with me and given me support with your kind words and wishes during this upheaval. Thank you.
I know that things will get better and things will settle down. Isn’t it funny how we take for granted the routines that make up our lives? The things we worry about? Most of those inane things we worry about never happen. The big ones happen when you least expect it. Kurt Vonnegut said, “The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.”
Life keeps going, you adjust and become stronger and for awhile, you don’t take anything for granted.
I’ve been on some kind of heightened sense of awareness about that lately — the things that are really important. Emotional ups and downs that are exhausting, yet teach you some lessons that you may have forgotten. It is a humbling blessing I think.
Not sure what I’ll be doing later today, but I’ll be with loved ones throughout the day. Hubby and I may go eat Chinese later today. Remember in the movie, A Christmas Story, (my Daddy loves this movie and in my opinion, it’s one of the best movies ever) where their holiday dinner was destroyed but they made the best of it anyway?
That’s what today is about. Love, family and the blessings we have in our lives. It’s not about the dinner. It’s about love — who you love and who loves you. I hope that you all have a beautiful day.
Here’s a brief video of that scene in the movie I referred to. Much love, my friends. Much, much love to you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving.
Brigitte's Banter 
so glad you are up to doing a post–glad things are getting better — (hugs)
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | November 22, 2012, 11:16 amHi Lou Ann, thank you. Slowly but surely. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:14 amBrigitte, thank you for your reflective words. I wish you and your family today a peaceful day of thoughts and worry. Thanksgiving is everyday. BE WELL 🙂 Allyson
Posted by Allyson Mellone | November 22, 2012, 11:30 amHi Allyson, sorry for the late response. Just getting to log on this morning, but thank you. We did go to a Chinese restaurant and it was nice. You be well, my friend and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:15 amReblogged this on THELOFTBARCELONA.
Posted by theloftbarcelona | November 22, 2012, 11:33 amThank you!
Posted by Brigitte | January 18, 2013, 5:45 pmBrigitte, my heart is with you this Thanksgiving. I am inspired by your ability to see the flowers that bloom among all the difficulties. God be with you and your loved ones, today and always.
Posted by michelleatplay | November 22, 2012, 11:43 amHi Michelle, thank you. God be with you as well and thanks for your kind words. So appreciated.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:16 amBrigitte,
Sending a bushel of love your way. I’m glad your loved one is on the mend. And I’m sensing that the events of the past two months have only served to strengthen your sense of gratitude and awareness. That’s the kind of person you are. Sending more love, hugs, healing and gratitude your way.
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | November 22, 2012, 12:04 pmCathy, I will take it! Thank you. Slowly but surely, things are improving. It’s like being on edge constantly, you know? Thank you so much. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:17 amThinking of you today Brigitte. I’m thankful each time I read your posts!!! Peace to you, now and always. :)xo
Posted by Honie Briggs | November 22, 2012, 12:43 pmThank you Honie and I read your email about being FP’d. You deserve it. I told you all along you would, remember? Thank you — I am thankful for you. xo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:18 amOMG!! I LOVE ‘WEAR SUNCREEN’ – it is often a lifesaver, must listen to. Thank you for this. It is wonderful to see you back on here, and what a THANKSgiving for you my friend. And A Chirstmas Story’ is certainly one of the best movies of all time. Enjoy your Chinese dinner! I have always wanted to do that!!
Posted by isawbobdylaninaspeedo | November 22, 2012, 3:02 pmYes, I listen to that and it never disappoints. Thank you for your kind comment and we, as a family, have watched that movie over and over. The Chinese restaurant was just what we needed.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:19 amNow isn’t that true 🙂 It’s become such a truism in my life, that I can identify things that are not going to be a problem for me with the amount of time I spend worrying about it ie. if I worry a lot about it, it’s almost certainly not a problem. Totally, it is the thing that never occurred to you that puts you on your arse 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving Brigitte.
Posted by sarafoley | November 22, 2012, 5:32 pmHi Sara, we all take things for granted. Happy belated Thanksgiving my friend and thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:20 amI thought about that very scene today when we passed an open Chinese restaurant on our way to Vidalia in DC for our dinner. 🙂
I’m glad things are improving for you and your family. Wishing you a peaceful and happy day today, and every day.
Posted by jmmcdowell | November 22, 2012, 6:38 pmI’m so relieved and happy to hear that things are improving. We do have so much to be thankful for 🙂
Continued blessings and lots of love!
Lisa xo
Posted by A Gripping Life | November 22, 2012, 7:42 pmLisa, my thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend. much love your way and thank you for taking the time to comment. I know that you are going through a difficult time as well and I’m thinking of you. Take care of you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:22 amHi JM, we had a nice time. It was perfect and near the hospital. We all needed it and I highly recommend doing it once in your life. Thank you and I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:21 amHappy Thanksgiving to you and all my American friends!
Posted by dianasschwenk | November 22, 2012, 7:41 pmThank you, D.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:23 amIt’s the thought that counts in this holiday, isn’t it? So glad to hear things are settling down and getting somewhat back to normal. As you say, it’s a hard lesson to learn but remembering to not take things for granted is definitely very valuable. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy that Chinese food!
Posted by lillianccc | November 22, 2012, 9:13 pmHi Lillian, I hope you had a nice holiday filled with much love, family and friends. Thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:23 amGood to hear from you Brigitte and I am glad your loved one is healing. “Life keeps going, you adjust and become stronger and for awhile, you don’t take anything for granted.” — you nailed it here pretty well !
I love William Wordsworth and I loved this post.
Be well and I hope you are taking care of yourself!– Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | November 23, 2012, 10:19 amHi Audra, nice to check in every once in a while when I can. I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Miss you and thanks so much for taking the time to comment and your continued good thoughts and prayers. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:24 amHey Brigitte, glad to hear that things are improving for you on every level. This struck a chord with me, “Isn’t it funny how we take for granted the routines that make up our lives?” I don’t think we necessarily take our routines for granted, but we often take comfort in them. When the routine is upended and our lives are, too, we realize how much we appreciate our usual sense of normalcy. I don’t think it would be natural to dwell on how much we value our routines, but when a catastrophe of historic proportion happens that destroys life as we know it, it reinforces how much we cherish stability in our world. Hurricane Sandy happening on the heels of the health worries you’ve been suffering for your loved one has just been a one-two punch. You seem to be holding it together and dealing with everything as well as possible. That’s commendable. Thanks for sharing the great film clip!
Posted by lameadventures | November 23, 2012, 3:35 pmHi V, thank you. Yes, the stability seems to have pulled out from under us, but we are okay. Nothing compared to what my loved one is going through — so I can cope and I do think these kind of things make you stronger and wiser. You have to take one day at a time and go on. Thank you so much for your kind comment. You’ve no idea how much hearing from my “friends” helps. Hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:27 amIt really is a great movie, we watch it every year. I’m glad your dad is doing better, and I hope you and Hubs had a good Chinese food dinner yesterday! It’s good to remember how much there is to be thankful for even with a serious illness in the family, but I know how stressful and difficult it is. Happy belated Thanksgiving, B.
Posted by Madame Weebles | November 23, 2012, 3:55 pmWeebs, it is a classic, right? We did have a nice time. Hubs, me, sister, kids — we were the only ones in the restaurant! It was just perfect and we all needed it. Thank you so much and I hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | November 24, 2012, 10:28 amThat was such a beautiful message, Brigitte. I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family and friends. I like the quote from Kurt Vonnegut. That’s so true, isn’t it? I hope you’re well.
Posted by The Bumble Files | November 24, 2012, 8:22 pmOh Brig!!!
I LOVE this movie!!! Your Daddy is so smart!! AND he is getting better! Praise Be!!!! I love you I love you.
🙂
Did I tell you I love you?
I Do!!!!!
♥♥♥
Love, Lis
xoxooxox
Posted by Carr Party of Five | November 25, 2012, 10:13 amHi Lis, my sweet friend. Love you too. xo
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:56 amI hope you and yours had a lovely holiday and stuffed yourself silly!
Posted by Ron Stempkowski | November 25, 2012, 2:23 pmLate reply but thank you, Ron. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be well!
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:56 amBlessings indeed. I’m so happy to hear that your father is doing better, Brigitte. May his health continue to improve.
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | November 25, 2012, 10:32 pmThank you, Sally. Hope you and yours are doing well.
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:55 amI love that quote by Kurt. So true. Hope your Thanksgivings are always filled with love.
Posted by becca3416 | November 26, 2012, 2:38 pmMe too. Thanks you, Becca and I wish the same for you.
Posted by Brigitte | December 1, 2012, 11:54 amKeep your eye on the sunset…sending you love and prayers! I definitely know that blip…hang in there!
Posted by isawbobdylaninaspeedo | December 10, 2012, 12:09 pmHey Judy, I will definitely do so — thank you — I’ll take all the love/prayers I can get. Those blips are rough, huh?
Posted by Brigitte | December 11, 2012, 12:09 amfor sure…but the love sending…really works…the energy is out there girl.
Posted by isawbobdylaninaspeedo | December 11, 2012, 1:07 am