It doesn't seem to get any better, but it doesn't get any worse either. For that, I am thankful.

There are no more pictures to be taken, but there are memories to be cherished. For that, I am thankful.

There is a missing chair at the table, but the circle of family gathers close. For that I am thankful.

The turkey is smaller, but there is still stuffing. For that, I am thankful.

The days are shorter, but the nights are softer. For that I am thankful.

The pain is still there, but it lasts only moments. For that, I am thankful.

The room is still empty, the soul still aches, but the heart remembers. For that I am thankful.

The guests still come, the dishes pile up, but the dishwasher works. For that I am thankful.

The snow still falls, the sled still waits, and the spirit still wants to. For that I am thankful.

The stillness remains, but the sadness is smaller. For that I am thankful.

The moment is gone, but the love is forever. For that I am blessed, For that, I am grateful.

Love was once (and still is) a part of my being. For that, I am living.

I am living. And for that, I am thankful.

******************

Darcie Sims, Ph.D., CGC, CHT
Read at the 11-l7-07 Teleconference
SOS Newsletter from Dane County, Madison,WI