Friday, November 21, 2008
Emily delivers annual dose of gratitude
Emily Paine Carter is columnist So Salem. You can contact her at 981-3430 or via e-mail.
Emily Paine Carter
Recent columns from Salem, Glenvar and western Roanoke County
Could it be? A year of death-defying downward mobility — yet the Gratitude List grows!
So, additions to “Giving Thanks for Blessings Great and Small” (annual columns since 2003). As ever, in no particular order:
Endurance. Against all odds — and, ha, some “evens,” too — 2008 is almost over, yeehah! With all this muck, mire and manure our gift pony must be in here somewhere.
Cupcakes. Pie. Fine chocolates and cheap laughs (should these be retired to the Hall of Fame?). …Stinky puns. n The end of those smelly political commercials.
Lotion — and all balms for body, mind and spirit.…Beautiful words: “What can I do to help?”
When your electricity, plumbing, computer, phone, car and most body parts all work on the same day. Super-bonus points if your relationships do, too (just gloat quietly, thanks).
Our pit-crews, professional and otherwise. For those of us more comfortable with sidewalk chalk than technology: Anyone helping navigate our gadgets. …When your repair-dude or even your dentist says “any problems? Give me a call” and you think “He just might mean it.”
Days without drama (theaters excepted).
Free events! Thanks, Salem. And Roanoke College, Hollins, etc.
Freedom! Read ’em: The Bill of Rights! The Constitution!…Being able to read….Education, continuing.
Blankets….And those microwave-ready, beaded heating pads….Web cams, for other warmth.
Coffee….Tea….Water!
Being treated to dinner. …When guests ask “what may we bring?” and you can honestly reply “just low expectations” — all knowing that somehow everything will work out. n WVTF-Radio’s new “Back Roads & Blue Highways” Saturday night show (partial credit: Kurt Rheinheimer’s old “Roanoker” editorial).
Ceiling fans….And sealing friendships….Seals, otters and polar bears.
Reconciliation….Forgiveness (earthly and, one hopes, above). …Resurrections, various….Grace, amazing!…Finding the lost — people included….Shaken? Stirred? Whatever led new folks to 12-step programs….When ya just can’t budge, so God makes a house call….Those heeding “the better angels of our nature.”
Refrigerator magnets….Bubble wrap….Photographs….Birthday cards….Gardens and candles and miniature lights all year long.
A real letter — especially of affection or of amends….A standing marriage proposal — even if kinda jesting.
Family, ever. And “ad hoc” ones cobbled together by our far-flung children.
You’ve got your “proud” category; here’s mine: Hearing a kindergarten teacher say, “I’ve never seen a child so young appreciating irony.” (Yes, O grandchild! Hone your humor for Life’s pot-holey road.) n Hope abiding…especially hope that the road away will also bring our beloveds back home.
You, O Reader Gentle and Sage (sage: not just for seasoning next week’s turkey), to whom I wish A HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And better reports for this time next year. Say, do you hear pony hooves?
