Tina asks us to reflect upon what elements in our lives we are thankful for. In a free-write brainstorm there were many aspects of my life that came out, for example: Being cared for as a child, being encouraged to be myself as an adolescent/young adult,
being supported with wisdom and space, and appropriate guardrails – though sometimes I wasn’t happy with those rules! Growing up in a family with loving parents, the usual fun and stress with siblings, and a value of being a clan is a grounding that keeps me stable to this day.

The last group photo I have of my clan is from Christmas, around 2014. Since then my father passed, and my Niece Molly (eyes closed!) has a son Micah, now 10 years old. Andrew in green shorts is in the Army, and Justin tangerine T is in his second year of college.

My sisters, Lori and Diana are precious to me. Whenever things in my life get wonky (like it has been this past month), they are here for me, in texts, phone calls, emails and in spirit if not in person.

Being educated/having a career, having shelter, food, clothing, being loved by and loving my husband of 55 years, having a loving birth family.

I met Creighton at the University of Washington when I was 18. He has been the love of my life ever since. We celebrated 55 years of marriage this past September, and though life has thrown us some hard times, we have endured. Beagles help!

Having friends – Olde Friends, having colleagues – friends of a feather.

On the left I’m with the three other counselors I worked with for years. We were quite a team and have remained friends after retirement. Right, the A-Club – a name we gave ourselves for all the fascinating conversations we had over dinner and wine, as we discussed the last book we had read. Our numbers have dwindled to a precious few, yet we still get together, though we no longer have assigned reading!

Having space to garden, with trees and peaceful neighbors. Being able to move freely, make decisions for myself. To live where the roads are pretty good, the bridges need attention and are getting it, the rivers continue to flow, and salmon are returning to places they haven’t been for decades. A place where I can drive two hours and be at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, where I can look out across the Columbia Gorge and see majestic Mt. Hood, where the air is not pure, but pretty good for a major metropolitan area. Where it is raining, however there are no cats and dogs coming down!

On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾

My apologies to Tina and the Lens-Artists crew for being this late with my addition to last week’s challenge. As I mentioned above, I’m going through a rough spell here, though we are muddling through. I hope to have time soon to look at and comment on other posts.