Rhino Ramblings

Thanks to 2 of My Favorite Animals

Sometimes the day just dictates the writing.  Today is Thanksgiving Day and perhaps more so than ever I can find many places where thanks are to be given paradoxically in part because unexpected bursts of brightness was interspersed and even sometimes spurred on by times of sadness, difficulty, illness, and even death.  Of course, best to start with Katy and Michael and their partners and of course the grandkids.  Sure there was covid, RSV and the now life-long management of dealing with MS along with the joy and pain of children shifting from toddlership to childhood. That is balanced off by so much gratitude to the adult “children” who have started new adventure in jobs and education and housing along with the joy of seeing Quinn and Michael grow and become two wonderful (at least most times) children.  Closest to home is my thanks for Midas who is still a bit under a health watch having lost a lot of weight quickly but so far is checking out as being I pretty good health (he is thankful that so far the only resulting prescription is to feed him 30% more food – he has had no issue with seeing that increase).  He of course is a daily font of happiness in my life.  I am thankful for the opportunity for this blog.  I have re-found the joy of writing and am grateful for the positive feedback I have received.  I am grateful for my immediate family even as I struggle with my place there after 25+ years of isolation and then having the death of my Mom result in a reconnection that was awkward at first but has ended up with many positive interactions and a surprising revelation that my Mom had recognized my life and being in more recent years.  Speaking of death and gratitude, this year saw the memorial for my mentor and friend, Mary, who took me under her wing 45 years ago – I am especially thankful for her daughters who told me how special I was for her that apparently matched how special she was to me in ways I may not have fully realized.  Friends – a whole category of thanks to them-each had stories both wonderful and sad and difficult and inspiring.  Bringing friends and family thanks together will be tomorrow’s (Black Friday) pierogi fest.  While we have created a tradition of holiday pierogi making for many years now, this year I have extended it to include many of my friends and also my sister and her family (with possibility for even more next year).  Hundreds of pierogis will be made by hand including a mix of Slovak and Ukrainian versions.  It will be wild but perhaps the best symbol of why this is a Thanksgiving I have to write about.  There was a time 20 or so years ago where holidays were a time for severe depression, crying, feeling sorry for myself and a bit too much alcohol whereas today when the friends and family I have had in the past and have returned or remained in life or memory make the holiday season a real sense of joy and family and friendship.  There is much more I can give thanks for, but first and foremost are the people in my life – thank you to all.