For That, I am Thankful
by Darcie D. Sims

It doesn't seem to get any better...
but it doesn't get any worse, either.
For that, I am thankful.
There are no more pictures the be taken...
but there are memories to be cherished.
For that, I am thankful.
There is a missing chair at the table...
but the circle of family gathers, close.
For that, I am thankful.
The turkey is smaller...
but there is still stuffing.
For that, I am thankful.
The days are shorter...
but the nights are softer.
For that, I am thankful.
The calendar still turns, the holidays still appear and they still cost too much...
but I am still here.
For that, I am thankful.
The room is still empty, the soul still aches...
but the heart remembers.
For that, I am thankful.
The guests still come, the dishes pile up...
but the dishwasher works.
For that, I am thankful.
The name is still missing, the words unspoken...
the silence is shared.
For that, I am thankful.
The snow still falls, the sled still waits,
and the spirit still wants to...
For that, I am thankful.
The stillness remains...
but the sadness is smaller.
For that, I am thankful.
The moment is gone...
but the love is forever.
For that, I am blessed.
For that, I am grateful...
Love was once (and still is)
a part of my being...
for that, I am living.
I am living...and for that I am thankful.