Thankful for the things

That could be taken for granted

And yet are not so, for too many:

Shelter, food, warm clothing,

Clean water

Safety.

Thankful for the blessings I may not even notice

And yet are never empty:

Clean air, a language others understand,

Having a place

Where I am welcome

A bed to tuck myself into and rise from,

Soft covers,

Floor, a ceiling, sturdy walls.

Thankful for the senses that I have

And do not fail me:

Sight (and insight)

Hearing (and the ability to listen)

Smell (and being able to sniff out what is not right)

Taste (in food, and things, and people)

To be touched in kindness

And to touch others

In reassurance,

In compassion.

Thankful for the love in my life

For health and the ability to tend to it,

For knowing that I have a place to call home …

My heart breaks to know so many don’t.

Thankful for connection

For access to information.

For the ability to research so I can separate truth from distortion,

The freedom to ask questions,

The space to disagree,

Without risking violence and harm.

Thankful … for so much,

And hoping that such thanks could be available

To all.

May there be

A multitude

Of thanks.