I know what it’s like. I’ve been there: Unhappy Thanksgiving.
The details are private and personal, but the larger picture: the family gathering that is more painful than fun, the lonely Thanksgiving far from people you love, the holiday when there is an empty chair at the table – I’ve been to all those Thanksgivings, and they were miserable.
One of the blessings I count today is that this year is a good year for me: I’m surrounded by family, in a happy home, with food on the table, and the turkey is paid for. I have what I need, and more.
Not all years were like that. And I know, for someone reading this, this year isn’t like that. I’m truly sorry that you are having an Unhappy Thanksgiving this year. If I had a magic wand, I would heal all the hunger, and the loneliness, and the poverty, and the broken hearts – but I have no magic wand.
All I can tell you is that this is just one day. If the sun is shining, take a walk. If you can identify a blessing, give thanks for it. Gratitude is often the beginning of something good, weirdly enough.
But know that I know you are there, and I’ve been there. I wish you better years ahead.
This is so true! May I offer another suggestion? Start this year planning for next year. Think about who you’d enjoy being with. Got no one? Use this next year to change that. Start going to a synagogue or volunteering. You’ll meet new people. Don’t be too shy to say, I have no where to go for the holidays – do you have a suggestion of a place to go or a place to volunteer? A new friend of mine said, I don’t want to be alone for Thanksgiving; can you suggest a volunteer option? So I invited him to my Thanksgiving. Next year, that could happen to you.
Dawn, you are my go-to person for good suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing those.