So for those of us trying to live a healthier life and lose weight and regain vibrant health, Thanksgiving can represent a challenge. I must have been asked at least 85 times in the past week how I would "handle" it and even asked for advice about how best to handle it for others. That's new. I still haven't gotten used to having other people act as if my opinion on topics of health and weight loss really matters. LOL Everyone really has to decide for themselves. Some people have complicated family situations to consider and I would never presume to get in the middle of that! But, as usual, my real, deep down feeling is that family should value your health and well-being enough to make some concessions or even (gasp) just support what you are trying to do. I can't imagine not having a family that supports me like that. And that is probably what I'm thankful for this year most of all. My husband is one in a million. He supports me through all things. He epitomizes "in sickness and in health" and "for better or for worse." My kids and grandkids bless every day of my life and don't hesitate to do anything in their power to support my efforts. So how did I "handle" the challenge of Thanksgiving?
I have had a great Thanksgiving with my two teenagers. I am so proud of them. I told them that if not having pie or rolls or something was going to make them feel deprived or like this lifestyle was too hard, I would get them some. They both said NO! And Harmoni (17 year old) said, "The main thing I'm most thankful for this year is how happy you are just living every day now." My hubby is on the road but we are used to that. We have a nice meal when he gets home and we don't celebrate Christmas until Epiphany so that he can be home. I told my grown kids that since Thanksgiving meal was going to be turned on it's ear that they should probably just spend it with their inlaws. I hope to be so used to this lifestyle by next year that I will make them a feast to remember that I won't hesitate to eat as well. I'll be spending some time with my oldest daughter and that new baby boy next week and I'm definitely thankful for that! I'm really thankful that all three of my grown kids have found really amazing and wonderful people to share their lives with. Both son-in-laws and my daughter-in-law are really awesome. I honestly couldn't have chosen better for them myself. I have NINE beautiful, healthy, intelligent grandchildren. God has blessed me beyond measure.
Thanksgiving was really my Mom's holiday as she was an amazing cook in the old-school Southern cooking style. I see her in my daughter Cheyenne. I always miss her so much on this day but part of me is glad she isn't here to see what terrible condition I have let myself get into. At least I have felt that way every Thanksgiving until this one. I know that she would be so proud of the changes I've made, the things I've learned and the rest of the family for their unwavering support. A few weeks ago when people first started talking about Thanksgiving, my first thought was, "Oh no! Mom's stuffing and apple pan dowdy and heavenly hash!" Fixing her recipes always made us all feel closer to her. We knew that she was there with us in spirit. Well, the day came and we ate our small serving of roast turkey and roasted veggies and lots of fruit. We even had a special treat that Cameron brought us; gluten free, dairy free cookies! I do NOT feel like I missed a thing. Rather, I feel more thankful and more blessed than I have in many years. And that, my friends, is what Thanksgiving is about, not turkey or pie or cornbread dressing.
No comments:
Post a Comment