This time of year we like to reflect, on what we have, want and missed. It is not always easy in this rushed world.

This time of year we like to reflect on what we have, want and missed. It is not always easy in this rushed world to figure out what really makes us feel thankful.

You might say it should be easy, right? Love, health, family, home, food, being alive.

However, some of us might be missing one or more of these important factors that make life good and what if all of the above are missing, if being alive is all there is?

Will it be enough? Maybe if we hold on to hope, it might be?

Just how long is it possible to hold on to hope if one has lost too much? Can it last long enough or will despair destroy hope in a hurry?

I have lost loved ones, fell on hard times, experienced serious health issues and despair, but all my children are alive and well, my husband is always by my side and my mom is only a phone-call away. A roof remained over our heads and I never went without a day of food, even at the worst of times.

That alone I am very thankful for, my family means everything to me.

I fell victim to harassment, to hatred, racial slurs, discrimination, unfairness and crime. I experienced slander, ID theft and betrayal.
However, not one day did I have to spend without love or someone reaching out and let me pour out my heart.

By now my life is good, my health not so much, but I manage and I am thankful for it.
All the rough times I went through taught me something and I am thankful for that too, it made me who I am and it made me a better, more compassionate person, it humbled me.

I never had everything taken away from me, I always had at least a glimmer of hope. And in the end I finally figured out what it is that I am most thankful for:
For every time that I am able to reach out and help someone, when I can give the gift of hope, being able to care, have empathy and compassion and am acting on it, that is a wonderful gift which I am deeply thankful for.

I believe I had a wonderful life, full of adventure and love. Never, not at my worst times did I wish to be anyone else by me.
Every burden I carried was worth its weight. I met wonderful people, awful ones too, the latter usually quickly forgotten. The great ones stick with me, for their help along the way, shaping me into a better version of myself. Even the bad ones were helpful, taught me what not to do to others or at least reminded me of what I would never, ever want to do to others. I am grateful to both.

I am also thankful to all those who read my stories, books and articles, the occasional poem and for any critics that help improve my work.

In short, I am thankful for all of you, to all of you and for the wonderful gift of giving hope to those who need it. Hope is the one gift we all should receive every day.

© B. Pratcher 2016