Through Eyes of Gratitude
I walked into a counselor’s
office about 10 years ago and waited for her to tell me something wise,
comforting; ultimately waiting for her to tell me what to do. I had lost my husband to cancer a few years
prior and my best friend a couple years after that.
As far as I could tell there was only one way and that way was up. I sat in Lynn ’s office for what seemed like an
eternity hoping for those life-giving words.
In one session I was determined to find out all I needed to know to move
on, to move up and to step out with my new attitude. It didn’t happen that way. It took several months of questioning and
trying to make sense of it all. She didn’t
give me any answers. In fact, she
made me answer my own questions. Lynn was only a sounding
board and a very good one at that. But
there was one session that was pivotal for me.
The holidays were nearing and the intensity of my pain and loneliness
were suddenly overwhelming. I walked in
her office that day and said, “I hate the holidays”. She grinned and said, “what did the holidays
do to make you hate them so much?” That
was it, I knew my counselor was a colossal smart ass and for the first time I
became angry; verbally and visibly angry.
It turns out that is just what I needed to do. Lynn
asked me that day for the rest of the hour to begin naming things that I was
thankful for. For several minutes the only
thing heard in that room were the faint voices of people across the hall. Finally through tear-filled eyes I began to
whisper one by one things that I was thankful for. I started with naming my little dog, Blackie
and continued to name things for the next ten minutes or so. I stopped and looked up as Lynn placed in my hand a piece of paper with
a list of all the things I had mentioned.
She told me to take that with me wherever I went and when I started to
feel sorry for myself I was to keep adding to that list. This seemed like a crazy idea but it is the
single thing that I have carried with me all these years. It seems as though gratitude was just what
the doctor ordered. My sadness didn’t
end overnight and it wasn’t an easy climb out.
Giving thanks, though, changed my perspective and gave me a reason to
keep moving forward.
Sometimes, still, I get caught up
in thinking about the things I have lost, the friendships that have faded with
time and distance and those things that I wish I had. When this happens I think of my counselor and
friend Lynn Boeyink, who lost her own battle with cancer a year ago and I give
thanks. I give thanks for all that I
have been given over time; friendships, family, pets, nature and so much
more. Sometimes I am simply thankful to
be alive.
Today as we begin the holiday
season, let’s be mindful of those who may not be able to see through the eyes
of gratitude. Let’s be their eyes and
when they can’t see past their pain, let’s listen with our hearts as they
express their sadness and give thanks for and with them.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
Amy Lynn Michael
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