Over the years we kept day by day gratitude journals, used the alphabet to prompt a list of grateful thanks, answered a list of probing questions and daily communicated with one another about hope and grace.
This year I wrote a poem.
a prickly couple of years-
it’s been a ride
sometimes smooth
and others not
in swimming to the surface on those ‘not’ occasions
i had to squeeze in grace
i had to embrace people
even the prickly ones
i had to embrace fear
even the prickly, disturbing kind
i had to clutch at acceptance
reminding myself that my days can’t be all about me
to remind myself that people are doing what they are doing
for their own reasons
not mine
therein you find the complexity
tucson has shown me connection
wrapped me in love
daily shining the sun on me
allowing me to see layers
as one does when the sun illuminates a spiderweb
it has illuminated my edges
all its natural contours
i can now see what is mine to hold
and what is mine to do
sometimes it’s a voice as loud as thunder
and others the softest of rain
it has been a rather slow journey
but tucson has encouraged understanding
showing me i have let fear take up too much space
I must allow grace and thanksgiving in
to see courage as a gift i need only unwrap
in my fear
and shaky hope
i choose brave
The complexity of life, love, family, and connection warms my heart and I give thanks.