Winter

Winter

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Giving Thanks Challange


My friend Sue invited me to take part in the Giving Thanks Challenge.
I didn't join right away because really, I didn't know if I could come up
with enough things.
I thought about it a little more and thought I might try it just to see if I
can because I do like the idea of being thankful everyday.

This is Day Two:

http://southbreezefarm.blogspot.com/

As I walked around today trying to think of just what am I thankful for
I decided since today would have been my Dad's birthday, I am thankful
for him. Without him I wouldn't have been born nor would I be who I am
today.
What I think about today is that he passed on to me the ability to work,
to laugh and even when times get hard just keep going. My Dad was a study
in contrasts.
There is a tenancy to blame our parents for the way we turned out. I think that
is a huge cop out. WE all make choices and if we don't like who we are , change it.
Only we are responsible for us. I have six kids. I know they could write volumes on
the many, many mistakes I made/make. But like my parents, I have learned, we do the
best we know how to do at the time.
Given the cards they were dealt and how they did as people.



I am thankful they had the guts to stand up for what they thought was right,
they took chances and they lived life. On the edge sometimes but boy did
they live it.
I am thankful that while I might not live the way they did, they left me a legacy
of strength and courage.

So today I am thankful for that.

I keep thinking of those people protesting Wall Street. The people who
were protesting here in our town met at Starbucks.
With their laptops and their 5.00 dollar coffee.
That bugs me. My Dad lived in a farm labor camp.
He said once, " The really poor people lived next door."
They were never poor. My grandparents came to California
so their kids could go to college. They gave up their farm and their
land so their kids could have a brighter future.
I am thankful for the sacrifice that my Dad gave for me.

I think we could learn some lessons.

Have a great Thursday!
Kim

18 comments:

Meg said...

Oh gosh the I haven't really been following the Occupy Wall Street stuff much, but the things I have heard are just as ridiculous. Meeting at Starbucks... Haha.

Pom Pom said...

This is a sweet post, insightful and thoughtful.
(BIG HUG!)

Tami AKA My Kid's Mom said...

What a great post! I deliberately try not to follow the Wall Street saga - it depresses me.

Vee said...

I've read three posts and have already discovered three things that we have in common. That's what I love about Blogdom. So glad that Sue...hmmm, wonder which Sue...talked you into doing the challenge. It's really a great thing to do and I so doubt that you'll have any problems thinking of all the things for which you are grateful. I agree with your post. Once we reach adulthood, it's time to put on our big girl pants and step up. No more blaming the parents even if the choices they made hugely effect who we are. Now we have choices, too.

They took over Starbucks? The unmitigated nerve!

Dawn said...

I love this post...and so true. I get tired of everyone blaming others for their results. We DO choose!
hugs
Love the Thankful idea!

camp and cottage living said...

Kim
I so appreciate you honoring your father as you did in this post. I have so much respect for people who work hard and sacrifice for those they love. You came from good stock.
Sure, none of us had perfect parents, or as you said, are perfect parents. But most of us do our best. And who we become as adults is up to us.
Pleasant Dreams-Kimberly

Debbie said...

This was a great post! I am going to do the challenge too but I am not linking up and am going to just list my thanks on my sidebar. I have such a hard time keeping up with the blogs I already follow I am afraid to tempt myself with other good ones, haha....I have such a busy month.

I think you are soo right about us making our own choices and how many hide behind their parents making them the way they are. It is only as true as we let it be. My father was very abusive in many ways, and yet I do believe he loved me the best he was able. Looking back on all of it now as an adult, what demons he had to deal with is what comes to my mind, and I have both forgiven him, and feel sorry for him. How much he missed. He has been gone now for almost 32 years...

I left a LONG comment on your last post too. : ) Sorry I have been leaving such books for you to read.

HUGS!

Jill said...

This is a wonderful tribute to your father. He would be so proud, I am sure. Thank you for sharing.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I love this post.Your parents sound like mine. They made mistakes but with 10 kids there is a no way of getting it perfect. My Dad was very hard working and gave up a lot to take care of his kids. He worked hard looking after us till the day he died four years ago. Extremely good post thank you. My Mom is still here and she is awesome even though I may not have thought that in my teens.:). B

Buttons Thoughts said...

About your comment on my blog. Yes auctions always make me sad but this older man and his wife were happy to be moving off to the city. B

Marti said...

You had such a good example in your dad. Today's kids don't know what hard work is. Bet those protesters wouldn't last a week if they had to live the way our folks did.

Kim said...

Another beautiful post. Its nice you were thinking of your Dad. I've been doing alot of that the past few weeks. I have much to sort out with that.
There is a lot going on here - I'll email ya later :)

Sue said...

Oh, Kim, this is soooo Awesome! I am sitting here with tears I am in such a melancholy mood today, I love the relationship you had with your father, kind of like me and my dad. I adored him and he took me with him to do chores so many times. I always say that is why I was such a tomboy. lol
I agree whole heartedly with the what you had to say about the protestors, and I have to be careful or I will get on my soap box here. lol.
I am so glad you joined GTC.
Hugs,
Sue

Patrice said...

I love your take on things and totally agree. Maybe that's why we are friends. Good post!

Kessie said...

What is this thankfulness thing? Is it one of those things where you post something every day of the month? I've seen those and I think they're cool. I might like to try it, because it'd get me posting every day.

Also, they took over Starbucks? What pampered protesters we have.

Jamie Oliver (@va_grown) said...

What a lovely post. Monday would have been my dad's 53rd birthday and I miss him like crazy. I'm sure that will be on my mind all day next week.

I'm enjoying paging through your blog. Your pictures are just gorgeous!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Kim, I really like this post. Your father must have been a good dad. I miss my father everyday.

Debbie said...

a beautiful tribute to your dad!!