A few weeks ago, I found myself at my son’s school participating in a student led conference. I sat in a regular student chair and overlooked his accomplishments. Half way through, he pulled out his journal and started showing off his entries. We turned to a page called “What I am thankful for”. At the very top, he wrote that he was “thankful for NOT being abandoned.”
I reacted with a slight surprise and my son turned the page with a semi-smile. I think he felt uncomfortable. Yesterday, I asked him about his reason why he thinks being abandoned is not a good thing.
He said "just because, and no offence mom, but its not a good thing". He went on to describe someone who is sad and feels unimportant and left out. I suppose that is not a desirable thing to be, feel or aspire to. I suppose I must agree that he should feel thankful for NOT being abandoned.
So, with this new found awareness of my son’s acknowledgement, I found myself pondering what I am thankful for, and I think I can say it would be as much as a “normal” person, but with a different twist.
I am thankful that I am alive and that my biological parents chose to abandon me in a semi-safe place; thankful that I was placed in a good home; thankful for my good health; thankful for my children and their great health; my family (even if they are not my biological, that does not matter); thankful for my great friends; thankful for my success and my strength and courage.
This exercise has reminded me to remember my good fortune. How about you?
