When I consider the message of Thanksgiving, a lot of words fill my mind and heart for what I wish others to know.
For some, Thanksgiving is an extended family Christmas kick off; the one time of year everyone on Paw Paw’s or Aunt Gertrude’s side of family to gather together for gifts. Maybe there’s a gift lottery, or you play the game where you pull a number. If you get the right number, you might have a $50 Amazon gift card or a Starbucks’ mug.
There’s the cool corner crew of the cousins catching up on the latest gossip for which uncle or aunt is where, dating who, or made a new recipe for Thanksgiving.
For others, this is a difficult time of year. I share this not to make anyone turn away, but to remember others who wish to have a child, but are struggling; those going through a diagnosis of illness, such as cancer; those in prison; and people who miss their mom, dad, grandparent, or child after recent loss.
As I walked the paths that John has mown for us to walk, I considered what I’m thankful for in the three-and-a-half-years since Corrie graduated to heaven. Approaching December presents some trigger challenges, especially knowing we will approach the four year angel anniversary next year. The reason why this shows significance is because four years marks more than half of her short life.
There are moments when the sorrow grabs you, and all you can do is let the tears fall. When your grief journey starts, new parts of yourself open. The memory of Corrie has opened me to new experiences, which offer opportunities to talk about Corrie. I often write and take pictures of Corrie’s memorial gardens.
Last year, I started making wreaths and small Christmas trees full of deco mesh, ornaments and ribbon. Each one I create represents some personality of the person for whom it’s made. They also have items symbolic of Corrie, such as five feathers representing the number of years Corrie lived.
Even in the moments when my heart aches because Corrie isn’t here to watch the Macy’s Day Parade or walk by the lake, I feel gratitude. I’m thankful to live in a place where it looks like God kissed the Earth.
But, I’ve shared most of what I’m thankful for in a memorial video I made for this Thanksgiving.
Corrie's Season 