This morning my mother messaged me on Facebook and sent me a link of one of my old blog posts from two years ago titled...wait for it...Chanukah and Thanksgiving. Since it was two years since I'd written it, I read it again and decided it was high time to write a follow-up. (Thanks Mom!) The reason I had written the post two years ago was that it was the first time in a very long time that Chanukah and Thanksgiving coincided. It won't happen again until the year 2070, but I still think it's important to point out reasons to be thankful on a regular basis.
So while my 14 lb. turkey is defrosting in my fridge, I'm taking the time to reflect on what has changed in these last two years and what new and great things have happened in my life to be newly thankful for. Below are eight reasons I was thankful two years ago....
1. Two years ago I spent two weeks with my family in Toronto for a family simcha and to visit my grandparents. My grandfather was in the hospital at the time and while it was difficult to see my robust and very hip and active grandfather in a hospital bed, I was truly thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with him. Unfortunately, he passed away during that Chanukah. So while I'm staying put in Israel and have not seen my siblings or my extended family since the summer, I'm thankful that we are all healthy and moving forward in a way that would make him proud.
2. Two years ago I was thankful that my family was able to spend Chanukah with my daughter before she went into the army. Well, timing is everything. She just came home today - on erev Thanksgiving, ironically - having finally finished her army service. So she will be able to spend Chanukah yet again with us, but this time as a civilian.
3. Two years ago I was thankful for the fact that I live not only in Israel, but on the same historical soil as the famous Maccabee family who fought courageously against enemies that sought to destroy the Jewish nation. This resonates even more so today, when the threat of our enemies has intensified and serves as a daily reminder that we can stand up and fight for our right to live in this land. So ditto to that and Am Yisrael Chai!
4. Like every year at this time, I'm grateful and thankful that my husband and I continue to celebrate our wedding anniversary - it's truly a gift to be in love with your best friend...
5. Two years ago, I was grateful and thankful that my kids still like singing Maoz Tzur when we light Chanukah candles every night. While I think that as they all edge into adulthood, our games of dreidel have become a thing of the past, we still set aside a night to do something together as a family and that it something to be thankful for.
6. I'm thankful that yet again this year we will be sharing our Thanksgiving dinner again with our same friends. Sharing is what every holiday is about and I hope we continue to do so for years to come.
7. Two years ago I was thankful for leaving the frigid Toronto weather behind and being able to spend Chanukah in a warmer climate. While I haven't been traveling as of late, it's still quite warm here and I haven't had the need to dig out my down coat and winter boots yet, so yes, thankful for that....
8. Two years ago I was especially grateful that both Chanukah and Thanksgiving coincided so that my inevitable weight gain was concentrated in one short week and is not spread out over several weeks....there's no hoping for that this year, so I'll just have to up my exercise routine if I want to enjoy that chocolate pecan pie....
And eight new reasons to be thankful:
1. I'm thankful that my son is super happy in his army unit. His happiness eases my nerves...
2. I'm thankful for my health and my family's health. You can never be thankful enough to be able to wake up in the morning and feel well enough to take on whatever challenges the day throws at you.
3. I'm thankful for my good friends. They are always there when you need them. And living so far from family, your friends become just that. The Flinstones was my favorite cartoon growing up and I always envisioned a life where I would be able to talk over my fence to my neighbors to shoot the breeze, ask for advice or borrow a cup of sugar. I've been lucky enough to have great neighbors and friends who are the "Bettys" to my "Wilma"...
4. I'm thankful for my biological family. Both close and extended. I'm grateful for your support whether you are located near (Modiin, Jerusalem, Shomron) or far in Toronto...
5. I'm thankful for my kids. You are special and gifted in your own unique way. And when you're not driving me up the wall and around the bend without the benefit of a good set of brakes, you make me laugh.
6. I'm thankful that I am able to do what I love. Being able to teach music and bring that love of music to kids is a gift. Hearing my student play Fur Elise a year after I taught him where Middle C was, is an amazing feeling.
7. I'm thankful that despite her old age and various health issues, our dog, Mo, is still wagging her tail and barking at strangers...
8. I'm grateful and thankful that I belong to a nation of patriotic, moral, ethical, spiritual, and charitable people. I'm constantly amazed and humbled by the giving nature of our people and it's an honor to be counted among them.
What are you especially thankful for this Chanukah?
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