This Thanksgiving the broccoli casserole I have prepared for our family dinner (for years!) will have more broccoli and less cheese, a nod to my mission to improve our family\u2019s nutrition. Of course, add in the turkey, ham and roast (we have a big family with diverse taste buds), mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes \u2013 not to mention the array of homemade pies for dessert \u2013 and a little more broccoli and little less cheese probably will not make a big difference. It is a small change, but one I can get away with without breaking tradition.<\/p>\n
This may be the first Thanksgiving you are celebrating while also serving as a caregiver. Maybe this will be the first Thanksgiving in many years that your caregiving services are no longer required, as your loved one has passed away. If the death was recent, you may still be in a state of bereavement. Or maybe, you know in your heart that this Thanksgiving will be the last one that your recipient will be with you.<\/p>\n
How do you celebrate this special day set aside to count our blessings when you are going through a difficult time, even feeling that your burdens are much heavier than your blessings?<\/p>\n
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?<\/strong> – Count Your Blessings<\/em>, Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1897)<\/p>\n Hmm\u2026some song lyrics are not as pragmatic as they are poetic, but there is truth in the idea that considering the good aspects in our lives helps us cope with the difficult ones.<\/p>\n The situations I listed above \u2013 new caregiver, no longer a caregiver, bereaved caregiver, or a caregiver experiencing anticipatory grief \u2013 come with various challenges. The scenarios differ considerably and responses are as numerous as are individuals. There is no one right \u2013 or wrong \u2013 way to approach celebrating Thanksgiving or other holidays. Following are some thoughts that may help you find your mode of celebrating this Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n May you and your family have a blessed \u2013 a very blessed \u2013 Thanksgiving.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n *Check out other Thanksgiving articles in the archives under “Holidays.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This Thanksgiving the broccoli casserole I have prepared for our family dinner (for years!) will have more broccoli and less cheese, a nod to my mission to improve our family\u2019s nutrition. Of course, add in the turkey, ham and roast (we have a big family with diverse taste buds), mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes \u2013 not to mention the array of homemade pies for dessert \u2013 and a little more broccoli and little less cheese probably will not make…<\/p>\n
\nDoes the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?<\/strong>
\nCount your many blessings, every doubt will fly,<\/strong>
\nAnd you will keep singing as the days go by.<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n\n