Tuesday, November 23, 2010

thanksgiving...

i was reading an article today in this fabulous publication aspenpeak and as i read about michael douglas, i thought... one can have all the money and star power but if you don't have your health... what do you have?

then i saw the report on natalee holloway and the "jawbone" that was found... it is not hers. my first thought was..."how sad" then i thought... well, maybe they will find her someday.... like elizabeth smart... staying hopeful...
 i cannot imagine how her family must feel. truly thanksgiving is not a happy time for them.

today my sister and i took an employee of hers to walmart. we gave her some time to come up with a list of things she might need (for the holiday and just needs in general) and she loaded a basket to the brim (very humbly and conservative) and when we got to the checkout, she was sweating, tears streaming and hugging us like she would never let go...

the only reason i tell anyone this is we did it for her and in turn, i ended up feeling so humbled.

yes, i think of thanksgiving as a time to be with my amazing healthy family, eat loads of homemade food but truly this year... God is teaching me to truly enjoy every day with loved ones and be thankful for every blessing in my life.

and you my friends... i am truly thankful for... each and everyone of you.
have a joyous day... xx

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was a great post! You are so true we all have so much to be thankful for! What a generous and kind thing to do for the employee. I'm sure you both did it out of the spirit of generosity and that is comendable. Have a great Thanksgiving! Traci

Nikki said...

I am thankful I can afford to stay home in this messy weather, in a home with power and food.

What a great way to give back to others. Every year for my Husbands birthday he asks for money and then we go to costco and fill up carts and take them to the food bank. I'm very proud of that man.

I Dream Of said...

Happy thanksgiving my beautiful friend! I'm thankful that we are safe and warm on such a cold day in Seattle... thinking about all the people who might not survive the night if they don't find shelter!

Jeanne Henriques said...

You are so right, there is much to be thankful for...we often just have to open our eyes and look. I love your Walmart story, I can feel her joy and how humble you must have felt by it all. I am sure it is one of those memories you will always cherish :)

Best wishes for wonderful Thanksgiving Pam.

Best wishes

Jeanne :)

Rachel Noelle Pallas said...

~*~*Such a heartfelt and wonderful post~*We have so much to be thankful for~*Hugs,Rachel~*~*

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

what a very, very beautiful post...i actually have tears in my eyes reading it..all so true...

it has been a pleasure to get to know you this year, my friend

i count you amoung the many teasured friendships I have made here in Blogland this year...

wishing you an blessed and loving Thanksgiving...
Kary

Unknown said...

We each have the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. I love hearing what you're doing on your end. We can each inspire one another!

Happy Thanksgiving!
~ Elizabeth

Lisa Porter said...

You are so right.
Be thankful for the blessings that have come your way. The best being the ability to see & feel when someone is in need, and then your taking the time and consideration to ask what you could do for her.
More than what was in her cart, she will surely take your kind gesture to heart.
You have inspired me to look around and take notice a bit more.
It appears that you are already celebrating Thanksgiving.
xo Lisa

Jenny said...

Thanksgiving Blessings to you. xo Jenny

French Basketeer.com said...

You are so right on to help someone in need, and to be grateful for health. I feel it is such a difficult time for many, to be home, alone, and for the aged. The bustle of family is wonderful. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving~

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Pam,
How lovely that you could do that and she was so thankful. It really doesn't take much to give someone so much pleasure and gratitude.
I wish you, your family and everyone around your table a wonderful Thanksgiving. Lots of love Pam. XXXX

Francine Gardner said...

I also never take my family, friends, health for granted. I am thankful for all i have in my life and derive the most selfish pleasure when i can put a smile on someone's face.
Happy Thanksgiving, my friend. Francine

24 Corners said...

Pam that was such a beautiful way to give back...a true sacfrice of thankfulness on your part and a tremendous blessing to her. You and your sister must have the sparkliest crowns in heaven awaiting you...you have such a good heart.

I'm so very thankful and blessed to know you sweet friend...have the most wonderful day tomorrow!
xoxo J~

A Perfect Gray said...

so beautiful, pam.

we are truly blessed to be a blessing to others.

a very happy holiday to you and your family and loved ones.

Donna

bainbridge blues said...

Thank you for sharing this - what it's really all about... Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Pam!

katarina powell & angela van der meulen said...

happy thanksgiving pam! xo xo

katarina powell & angela van der meulen said...

happy thanksgiving pam! xo xo

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

My dear friend Pam,
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Although we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, I will find some time to remember everything that I am thankful for.....and that's a great deal.
Wishing you, your family and friends and everyone around your table a wonderful day filled with good food and drink and thanks and togetherness. With much love. XXXX

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Pam
I think this is the best Thanksgiving post I have read... What a sweet act of kindness you performed.. Something so simple for some of us .. can mean the world to others... I understand what you say about feeling humbled... it is a privilege to be in a position to help others.. and a privilege to know we can be the cause of hope!!!

i hope you had a lovely day with family and friends.. and lots of delicious food!!! ciao xxx Julie

Unknown said...

sounds just like something you and your sis would do! Hope you both had a wonderful Thanksgiving, xxBarbara

Deborah said...

Thanksgiving blessings to you my friend!!
Loved this post!

Deborah xo

Anonymous said...

Love that you were able to bless someone today.

Global Atelier said...

I have tears in my eyes reading your post. This is waht Thanksgiving is all about! Have a lovely holiday.

Lauren said...

what a beautiful post pam. you're really special and so right.
xoxo,
lauren

Prize said...

Your perspective is 100% spot-on...there are so many in need and I'm beginning to recognize this on an almost daily basis. Beautiful story and praying God's greatest blessing to your sister's employee.

Tricia said...

Such a beautiful post Pam! Happy new week and here's to the holiday season. Sounds like you're starting it off with the right mindset.
Hugs~
T

Byline said...

What a beautiful story and so inspiring. I'm thinking my Christmas gifts to everyone this year will be my gift to the Dallas homeless shelter. I forget how much we forget to give back. Thank you, Pam, for the reminder.
-Nicole-