I am certain that my family isn’t the only one that sits around the table on Thanksgiving Day and reflects on the things we are thankful for. It has become a ritual in our home, one that none of us would jettison for a different tradition. In turn, we each tell of the special things that mattered again or happened anew to us since the last Thanksgiving. Although my wonderful husband Gary won't be here with us this year, I still do have a lot to be thankful for. Of course, my wonderful son, daughter-in-love, granddaughter Daisy and grandson Charlie are always at the top of my list. The dog comes next.
But as a gardener, I also find lots of things to be thankful for in my garden. For example, I have spent a lot of time in my gardens this past year, dealing with the sadness in losing Gary last November. The garden chores helped me work through my grief and find a new perspective in my life. My garden was my go-to when I needed some emotional therapy.
Both gardening and non-gardening friends are very high on my list. I turn to them for advice, for a shoulder to lean on, and - mostly- for a good laugh now and then. Without my friends, I fear being in Oregon would not be as special to me. No matter where we have traveled in the world, it is the special people we have met that I remember most. It is no different for the special people that live and work and share their friendship with me in Tillamook County. My friends were extremely helpful this year. As were visits from my dear friend Darla and my sister Lynn, both taking the time and energy to fly in from Pennsylvania to be with me.
Back to gardens: I am also thankful to be in growing Zone 8 instead of Zone 5. It’s nice to be able to start gardening in February and not end until late October instead of starting in May and ending in September.
I have to be thankful for Tess, the woman I never met who owned our house before we bought it. She installed good “bones” in the garden and they still stand today as the backdrop for all the perennials and the shrubs we added. I have honored Tess in as many ways as I can think of, from asking myself “What would Tess want to do in this area?” to naming one of our precious dogs after her a few years ago. From what the neighbors tell me of Tess, she was a very special lady. I am sorry I never met her before she passed away, but I am reminded of her presence often as I walk through my garden.
I try to take time even on windy, rainy days to find something that I call a blessing. Some days are easier than others, but even on tough days, I look around at the beauty that is Tillamook County, Oregon and I can come up with at least a dozen things that I count as blessings. The beautiful Tillamook, Netarts, and Nehalem Bays, the Nestucca River, the Coastal Range, and the Three Graces near our home in Barview are just a few examples. Every day when I walk the dog, I give thanks to Gary for bringing me to this beautiful part of the world 23 years ago, even if it rains.
Besides, if we didn’t have rain, our Oregon would not be so lush and green. I also wouldn’t have time to clean the house once in a while.
I am also thankful I have the time to reflect on my blessings. My list goes on and on. Take time tomorrow, on Thanksgiving, to reflect on the good things in your life and I’ll bet your list will be as long as mine! Have a happy Thanksgiving.
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