I’m Thankful for Everything (Except Earthquakes!)
by Jackie King
There are three things I do most every day: write, exercise
and pray, which includes counting my blessings. One extra thing has recently added itself to this list: an
afternoon rest/nap period. I don’t acknowledge this fourth thing, because I
didn’t invite it to join my list. It sort of added itself. I’m an old gal and
sometime after lunch my energy disappears. When this happens, I lie down and
use the time to count my blessings.
A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving I was doing just
that while stretched out on my bed. It was Wednesday on November 12, about 4:20
p.m. Killing two birds with one stone, as my grandma used to say.
The bed began shaking. When you live in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
your bed isn’t supposed to shake unless you’re in a sleazy motel and have put a
couple of quarters on the vibration gizmo. After a split second of shock, I
realized I was in an earthquake.
Earthquakes have been reported in Oklahoma before, but
this was the first time I had experienced one. This part of the country suffers
through tornado season. We’re not supposed to have earthquakes, too. Not fair! my inner child shouted inside
my head. The tremors seemed to go on forever, but it was probably only 5 to 10
seconds. And for sure, when my bed stopped vibrating, I had something new to be
thankful for: being alive and safe.
Today is Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving rocks! You don’t
have to buy anyone a present, and I don’t even have to bake a turkey anymore. I’m
lucky enough to have a daughter named Jennifer Sohl who is the best cook in the
world. Or at least in our family. She and her firefighter husband, Jim, host family
and friends, and concoct a fabulous feast. Then they serve this banquet on a
beautifully set table.
The conversation will be sparkling and fun…it always is.
I have two teen-aged grandchildren, the redheaded twins Justin and Morgan. They will spar with their adopted Aunt Bob (Sheryl Lewis) keeping me laughing. I
will eat too much and laugh until I’m exhausted.
I’ll also give thanks for everything…except earthquakes.
4 comments:
Growing up in Southern California, I lived through many earthquakes. I'd rather go through a tremor than a tornado or hurricane. :)
I understand. I think it's what we're used to.
I understand. I think it's what we're used to.
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