Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I am genuinely thankful. It would be easy to focus on all that is lost. After all, half of my heart is in heaven. But is that what God intends for my life? Is that what Hudson would want for his mama, whom he adored and is now watching from heaven?

The grief is deep and palpable, but as much as I can, I choose gratitude. Every day for the past 2+ years, I start by writing down 10 things for which I am grateful- and I always find them. It might surprise you that I even found them on the day Huds went to heaven, in the midst of the most excruciatingly painful day of my life.

Today I am especially thankful for family and friends who’ve stuck by my side (or entered my life) during the worst of times - and for the hope in eternal life where I will be reunited with my sweet boy.

For those who believe, and especially for those who don’t - I want to share a beautiful, hope-filled story for which I am deeply grateful.

Addie’s former first grade teacher (Mrs K) has many of Hudson’s friends, including his best bud Benny, in class this year. Each day she rotates kids to present a morning update. The chosen child gets to call on their peers to pitch in. One morning in early fall, a special kid in her class pointed to an empty spot between 2 friends and called out “Hudson.” He did it 2 more times, asking Hudson for his help with that day’s morning ritual. Mrs K described getting goosebumps as she witnessed this child calling on Hudson as if he were there in the room, surrounded once again by his friends at the school he loved attending.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I wish you love and gratitude. No matter what you are up against, it can always be found.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”