Thankful Vows

Last week I traveled to Ireland.  It was a bucket list item, and all of my dreams were exceeded.  I drank a pint (or two) in a pub, sang in public, witnessed so many shades of green, and made wonderful new friends.  I was, and am, so thankful for the experience.

In the week since returning, my back went out, I lost my checkbook, I incurred two large, unexpected expenses, and I got lost.  This last one was the worst of the group.  I was less than a mile from home and it only lasted for a second or two, but it reminded me of the character Norman Thayer in “On Golden Pond,” when he got lost in the woods extremely close to his house.   I felt the same disorientation and fear that he felt.  More than that, whenever I forget anything, I can’t help but wonder if it is my first step into following my mom’s struggle with Alzheimer’s.  But here’s the kicker – I am still thankful, maybe even more thankful than the week before. Certainly. I am thankful for every memory I retain.

It's easy to be thankful when things are going our way.  But I think it is more important to be thankful when the seas are less calm and inviting.  Our gratitude takes control of the environment instead of letting the environment shape us.

It got me thinking that it would be cool if we were all taught at some point to make thankful vows, somewhat like wedding vows.  And not just for one day of the year.   Many wedding vows have words along the following: “…to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part…”  I have never written a thankful vow, but if I did, I think it would be something like, “I promise to give thanks today and moving forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, not only for the life I receive, but also for all lives, till death do us part.”

Sure, I stole 90% of that.  I am thankful that someone else thought of a good way to capture a vow.

I found the checkbook.  My back healed.  I paid the debts.  I found my way home.  But even if one or more of these was still a struggle, I would like to think that I would still keep my vow of thanks.

As I write this, I am thankful that I am in a loving relationship.  I am thankful for being a dad to wonderful children and a “Papa Stone” to my grand girls.  I am thankful that the girls’ mom and I co-parent with kindness and grace.  I am thankful that in a few hours we will go visit my sister and her large, wonderful clan.  I am thankful for retirement.   But I am also thankful for the little things.  The socks I am wearing are so cozy.  The drops of rain on my bedroom window look like a painting.  The Leg Lamp on my desk from “A Christmas Story” makes me smile.  The opportunities for thankfulness abound.

I am thankful for all of you who read this, and those who do not.  I am thankful for the impact everyone has had on my life.  I am thankful for your hopes, dreams, stories, and lives.  Every.  Day.  Of.  The.  Year.

Life can be hard.  And many have a harder life than me.  I vow to remain thankful for me and for you.

Still, I’m human, and I do miss Ireland a little bit.

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