Thank A Parent & The Reason Behind the Gratitude Adventure | Day 10 of 30thanks

Why November has been tinged with gray

On the afternoon of November 10, 1985, my father and my uncle were hit head-on by a drunk driver. There is little I can say about that day and its life altering effects that I didn’t describe five years ago when I wrote A Tribute To Twenty, one of my most personal posts.

November has always been a bit of a gray month for me… I’m reminded each year of that accident, and though I’m deeply, unconveyably grateful for the “bonus years” I’ve had with Daddio, the lingering memory of the event makes me feel anxious and down each year when the month of November appears.

Then, last year, my grandmother passed away on November 18th. Saying goodbye to her simply leveled me, and I’ve felt the loss acutely all year. The anniversary of her passing was another reason I wasn’t looking forward to November.

Bringing light back to November through the Gratitude Adventure

But one thing that Daddio and Grandma have in common is a sense of gratitude and humor and love and light. Daddio is not a gray and sad person, and his life, though profoundly affected by the events of that November 25 years ago, is a testament to the power of a Can Do attitude (the inspiration for my “Can-Do-Ologist” title), an appreciation for daily, simple joys, and an unwavering sense of humor. Marking the silver anniversary of that accident with gloom just wouldn’t do. Likewise, Grandma was not a gray and sad person. Her life was full of laughter and chocolate and hugs and gratefulness for her family (and her chocolate). No tribute to her memory could fit if it did not involve love and light.

When I first had the idea for sharing my daily gratitude practice on the blog, I knew immediately I wanted to do it in November. I wanted to take the month that I’d been dreading and fill it up each day with all of the love and joy and warmth and gratitude befitting my Dad and Grandma. That’s why this gratitude adventure is happening now, in this month. It celebrates gratitude each day, but it also celebrates 25 “Bonus Years” with my father, and it celebrates the years I enjoyed with my grandmother.

And today, in honor of my 25 Bonus Years with my father, I’m inviting you to thank a parent.

Gratitude Mission, Day 10: Thank a parent

You could thank your parents, or your grandparents. You could thank your spouse or partner if you have children together. You could thank someone who filled a mother or father role for you growing up. Whoever in your life comes to mind in a loving way when you think of “parent,” take some time to let them know that today. If you’ve got a parent that’s always asking you to call them more often or stay in touch, why not pick up the phone and call them today? And remember to say thanks… or “I love you.”

Or both.

* Remember to tag your thanks with #30thanks if you want other gratitude adventurers to be able to find you.