If we dig deep enough…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Discussion, Holidays

As Thanksgiving Day inches closer, what are you grateful for? And don’t you agree that we should show gratitude all year round? And then reality stares us in the face each day on every news channel. My heart aches more and more. War. Homelessness. Hate. Mass shootings. It’s really very hard to keep the spirits from plummeting. So, where is the love, respect, and acceptance? Lives have been upended in the most horrific ways, and I’ve only scratched the surface. Still, if we dig deep, deep enough, we can find something to be grateful for…

It’s hard to believe that my father-in-law passed away three weeks ago. Time is mystifying, isn’t it? We miss him, but in various ways every day, we celebrate his 100 years and we will honor him next month for his Celebration of Life. We know he’s watching over us, feeling our love for him and knowing he’ll be in our hearts forever. ❤️

Now I’ve always looked forward to this time of year when the sun isn’t so aggressive and the temps are cooler. I still enjoy the quiet early mornings when Copper and I go for our walks, although at 13, he’s definitely slower. He’s ‘told’ me that around the block is about all he can do, and that’s completely fine. He gets to sniff and lift his leg, and that makes him a happy lab! We also get to watch the sunrise and listen to the silence. How glorious is that! And when a day or night’s sleep passes without pain, I am grateful. I’m jealous of Copper because he sleeps better than me! I know I sound like I’m 90, but I assure you I’m not. Even still, my body backtalks now and then, but it’s better than the alternative!

I yearn for the long, light evenings that summer brings, but hubby and I break out the candles for nightfall that arrives early. We allow the coziness to embrace us in its warmth. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…having a roof over our head is not to be taken lightly.

During this season, I am intoxicated by the aromas of pumpkin bread, pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, and I indulge in an occasional pumpkin latte. Hello, Pumpkin! And who doesn’t love the wardrobe changing of the leaves on the trees? Those rich, warm reds, golds, and yellows. And then let’s talk books! I’m thankful for my bookcase that is bursting at the seams! So many books! I don’t know what I’d do if paperbacks and hardcovers became obsolete. I love to hold a book in my hands, to feel the pages as I turn them and the smooth, beautiful, enticing covers.

This year, our son who lived in Virginia, embarked on a cross country road trip working remotely while visiting as many national parks as possible. His adventure began on May 1st in Maine as he worked his way west to California staying in Airbnb’s, and he is now home with us for the holidays. We are grateful that he stayed safe during his travels of almost 18,000 miles and that we get to spend the holidays with him. To be with our son and daughter over the holidays is a gift in itself. Can’t wait to see our daughter and son-in-law! ❤️

My Gratitude list goes on and on – there is no conclusion. Isn’t that something to be thankful for?! Lastly, thank you for your continued support and friendship in this world of blogging. And a Big Thank You to those of you who have bought my book, Ever So Gently, and to those who have written fabulous reviews.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Born from history
is this day we celebrate
the blessings in our lives,
for each breath we take.
I ask not for anything
but one gift I will bring
to the feast laid before me
among the golden leaves,
and so I gladly share
at this table I take part,
my very grateful heart.

My family wishes you a very warm and loving Thanksgiving!
~Lauren 🧡🍁🍂

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

Click on the image to purchase your copy. 💚

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

95 thoughts on “If we dig deep enough…”

  3. I’m happy for you to have your son, daughter and son-in-law with you for the holidays, Lauren. It’s wonderful for your son to travel 18,000 miles. Beautiful poem. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. 💖

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Miriam. It will be wonderful to be with all of the ‘kids.’ I know you know the feeling! We’re happy that our son was able to make the trip a reality when he got the green light from his boss. It’s hard to believe that 7 months have gone by. And now we’re enjoying listening to him tell about his adventure. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, and thanks again for stopping by. ❤️

  4. Beautiful sentiments Lauren. I concur! I especially love this part, which is staring at me in my face as we speak:

    “And then let’s talk books! I’m thankful for my bookcase that is bursting at the seams! So many books! I don’t know what I’d do if paperbacks and hardcovers became obsolete. I love to hold a book in my hands, to feel the pages as I turn them and the smooth, beautiful, enticing covers.”

    May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend. 🌞🦃🙏🏽

    1. Thanks so much, Kym, for your wonderful words and wishes, and I’m glad you liked the part about the books! I can’t buy enough! I may need a bigger house! 😂 Happy reading, my friend, and wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. ❤️🥂

      1. Thanks a million Lauren my dear. Hopefully after the “Tryptophan” in that turkey 🦃 wears off, I may try to catch up on some reading! LOL 😜 Happy Thanksgiving to you too my friend. Cheers! 🥰🥂😘

  7. I know what you mean about having to dig deeper to find the things we should be grateful for. The blessings are fewer this year, but we’re still grateful for those. Very nice poem, Lauren.

  8. I loved your post and especially your thoughts about your yellow lab. At one point during our walks our yellow lab Angus would lay down. I’d call my husband to bring the car. We all slow down at some point. Happy Thanksgiving.

  12. Your son’s trip sounds amazing. My son and I drove cross country from Pennsylvania to California this summer. We didn’t have a ton of time, he had to be back to work, but we took a week or so and it was a blast. I’m so glad that a couple of things happened at the exact right time and I was able to go with him. Your post reminds me that we have lots to be thankful for, we just need to look around us. Thanks Lauren! Happy Thanksgiving. Beautiful post and poem.

    1. Thanks, Brian! We’re glad our son was able to go on that incredible adventure, and your trip with your son sounds just as amazing! Memories made! Thanks also for your wonderful words about this post. I was just going to share a poem, but then I started writing! ✍️
      Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! 🍂🍁🍂

  14. Happy Thanksgiving, my dear friend.
    So wonderful to see you celebrate each moment.
    I know you’re going to enjoy the holidays, all together!
    Love and many hugs your way and a special kiss on Copper’s nose
    …and tail wags from Hera too! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  15. I feel just like you do, Lauren, in that my gratitude list goes on and on. Your Thanksgiving Poem is lovely…especially the line about your warm and grateful heart:)
    I wish you and your family a very loving Thanksgiving! ❤

  16. Wishing you and your lovely family a Happy Thanksgiving. It’s a tough time in our world today but we’re all holding tight to the little things this incredible life has given us and the love we have for each other. Much love and hugs to you, C

  20. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours, Lauren!
    I am most thankful for my good fortunes in life.

    Your words are honest, and your poem 🧡 full of heart.
    🧡✨xo

  21. Beautiful
    Sentiments of
    Such gratefulness and love Lauren! So happy you are with your kids, enjoying walks with Copper. They know our cadence. Hugs as you carry your FIL with you every step of the way. Happy holidays!! ❤️

  22. This is such a beautiful post, Lauren. I love your line “My Gratitude list goes on and on – there is no conclusion.” Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Lauren, and give Copper an extra hug.💕

  24. Lovely, you have said what I feel as well. No one in my family has made it to almost 100, 97 is the closest, and he died this June. What legacies they left us. Copper is so aptly named and so beautiful. Enjoy those walks as long as possible. I hope that we all have a gratitude list that is endless. Watching the news makes me realize that my list should be endless. 🙂 Have a great Thanksgiving, Lauren. Talk to you soon! 🙂

    1. Hi Marsha, I’m sorry for your loss too. My dad made it to 97 and my mom to 90. Unfortunately, my MIL died young at 59, but my FIL surpassed them all. And he still had his mind up until the end which was incredible. You’re right about the legacies. I appreciate your lovely comment and Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁🦃

  25. Hello Lauren,
    Love the thoughts you shared here with all of us. I believe too that if we go deep enough we can find what makes us alive and happy in a way, grateful for the life we live, the people we share it with and the beauty of a new season.
    I am happy to read that your loved ones are with you for this special time of the year. May you have a bright and peaceful thanksgiving!
    Lots of love flowing your way.
    ps- your post brighten my day! 🧡🧡

    1. Hi Marie, your beautiful words mean a lot to me! I’m glad you feel the same about digging deep enough to find what makes us feel alive and grateful. Thanks so much for your wishes and kindness, and knowing that this post brightened your day truly makes me grateful. Sending lots of love and hugs your way, dear friend. ❤️🙏🍁

    1. Thanks so much, Layla, and I’m glad my reflections resonated. In this chaotic world, sometimes it takes a bit of digging to find the blessings and beauty. But usually, they’re right ‘in front of us.’ Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving too! ❤️🍁

  29. What a wonderful post, Lauren! We all have so much to be thankful for and, yet, so often we forget how blessed we are. Your father-in-law was indeed blessed with 100 years with those he loved and who loved him. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! 🧡 🧡

    1. Thanks for popping in here and leaving your lovely comment, Michelle. I appreciate you and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too! Our weather was perfect for sitting on the patio. It was a beautiful day. Hugs and much love, my friend. ❤️❤️

  30. A lovely post and poem, Lauren. I too love the colours of this season (now that I’ve sort of gotten over missing summer!). At Our (Canadian) Thanksgiving dinner last month, my sweety asked all the family to talk about something they were thankful for. It brought out so many wonderful memories, while acknowledging getting through some tough things.

    It’s so wonderful that you will have your family together around the table… enjoy every moment of that blessed time together! 🧡

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Steve, and I’m glad you’ve finally bid farewell to summer and are beginning to enjoy this season’s visual gifts. 🙂 That’s great about your Thanksgiving gathering and the memories the conversations evoked. Ours did the same while talking bout my FIL and our parents who are no longer with us. But it was a beautiful day, perfect weather for sitting on the patio. Great conversation, good wine and food, and a time to be thankful for all we have been given. I can’t even put into words how blessed we are to spend time with our son and daughter. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 🧡

      1. That’s so wonderful, Lauren! I can imagine how blessed you would feel to have your son and daughter with you for the holiday. Much joy to you all!

  35. This was a wonderful read, Lauren. Although in Australia, I celebrated Thanksgiving this year with ladies at church. Our pastor and wife are from the USA, and it was lovely. We have so much to be grateful for; yet so much and so many to be prayerful for, too. Our son also recently returned from trekking around our country. Australia is a large island continent. It took him 12 months, working and adventuring. Blessings to you and your family, Lauren ❤️

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Sharon. And your Thanksgiving sounds lovely too. It also sounds like our sons were enjoying a similar adventure. How wonderful for both of them! Blessings to you and yours also! 🩷🌷

  38. Lauren, once again I lavish in your words; so heartfelt and uplifting once again! I have always cherished the autumnal presence of rich natural colours as foliage reacts in the most seasonal outreach to our days of thanks, which yes, should be extended to each and every day that we are blessed to exist on this earth.

    To gather with loved ones, family, relatives, friends and acquaintances alike, is without reservation the most cherished of all life activities that stand above all the rest. If it were not for the caring, loving, and familial support of those so near and dear, what would we have that means more to our fulfillment as we move forward day by day with hope, appreciation, trust and awareness for all that the human spirit affords us in turn!

    Thank you, Dear Lauren, for the unyielding reminders that life can and will be good if we only open our hearts and souls to its significant goodness. Your words resonate, I assure you!

    1. Thanks again, Don, for your most lovely and thoughtful comment which is poetic in itself. This doesn’t surprise me because of your wonderful poetic talent! I’m so grateful that my words resonated with you, and reminded you to see the good and to open your heart and soul. I truly appreciate your visits and comments! Take good care!

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