I hope you’re making warm family memories today, as well as allowing your heart to count your blessings and swell with gratitude. Although this time of year can be painful for those of us who have lost loved ones or suffered tragedies, I do appreciate this quote:
This Thanksgiving marks 16 years since my last visit with my daddy. After we spent the day together eating turkey and navigating four little kids, I walked him out to his big red van (something I didn’t normally do) and hugged him goodbye. On December 3rd, I met my husband at the hospital to learn my dad had suddenly past away. Every Thanksgiving since has been a bittersweet time of remembering our last visit and wishing he could be here with us.
Today, however, I’m not only remembering my earthly father, but I’m also thinking about the ‘dad’ who inspired my love of writing.
Did you know that this particular Thanksgiving, November 22nd, also marks the 55th anniversary of the death of CS Lewis? Yes, he died on the same tragic day that JFK was assassinated. Which means, understandably, that Lewis’s death was quite overshadowed by that act of evil.
So, as I enjoy our traditional holiday treats today, and kick off the Christmas season with our annual viewing of “Elf”, I’ll also be thinking about two of the most influential men in my life. My dad, who always read speculative fiction, and CS Lewis, who inspired me to write it myself!
I’m so thankful for both of these men! And, who knows, maybe they’re having some heavenly discussions about books while drinking coffee and, in Lewis’s case, a spot of tea 😉 Libraries are heavenly places, after all, and I don’t see why there couldn’t be a massive one somewhere along those streets of gold.
Is there someone special you are remembering today? I pray you are comforted with sweet memories.
What are you thankful for that other people may take for granted? I pray you will notice slivers of light and hope despite the overwhelming darkness.