NOVEMBER, OUR THANKSGIVING MONTH

On this month, many years ago we are to believe that pilgrims and Indians sat down to eat and gave thanks. Over time, I have learned that accurate history and herstory is not what was taught to us as children, so I have decided to capture the essence of what was done in my home, as I was being brought up, on this month.

First, we come from a long line of Tainos Indians in Puerto Rico and we always gave thanks, every single day. We gave thanks for the crop, for the weather, for water, for a loved one, for a new birth, for the sun, for the rain, for simply being alive.

Carried this over the centuries, and gratitude is still an instilled habit. The following are just a few of the things, your writer is grateful for:

To My Teenage Mother: Who always wanted more for us. To My Sisters: Whose courage and loyalty withstood the test of time.  To My Friends: Who did not let distance or time alter our bonds.

My Foes: Who remind me what I would never want to be.

My Teachers: Who taught me the beauty of learning. My Neighbors: Who share the same environmental challenges.

My Family: Whose daily struggles did not deter them from helping others.

My Accidents: To remind me that everything could quickly be taken away.

My Illnesses: To accept vulnerability and still survive.

My Car: That promotes my much-valued independence.

My Bed: That provides a comfortable rest place for my body and soul.

My Heritage: That gives me a strong sense of identity and purpose.

My Eye Glasses: That allows me to clearly see what I need to see.

My Lovers: That reflect I am worth their love.

My Gender: That combines beauty and boldness.

My Education: That always lets me know, there is so much more to learn.

My Brother: Who bravely fought for us back home. My Colleagues: Wherever they are, provide a safe place for us.

My Computer: That allows me to communicate, quickly and anywhere.

My Doubts: They allow me to sieve and seek the truth

My Spiritual Leaders: They have lifted me up and above expectations.

My Mail Carrier: Timely delivers my valuable mail with a warm smile.

My Childhood: Always reflect dignity despite the poverty.

My Aunts:  Who were always there with welcoming arms and advice.

My Grandmothers: My role models forever.

On this month, take the time to share appreciation and be