One of my family’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions is to enjoy our meal and then move to the living room to watch the classic Thanksgiving movie, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”
It tells the story of two unlikely travelers, played by John Candy and Steve Martin, who are trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they encounter one mishap after another, some of their own making and some beyond their control. Their journey brings plenty of laughter to those watching.
Thanksgiving often brings together family, food, traditions and gratitude. Some families gather around the table and, before the meal begins, each person shares something for which they are thankful.
When you are grieving, however, gratitude may feel difficult to find. Surrounded by familiar people, food and traditions, you may feel the absence of your loved one even more deeply. Amid grief and loneliness, giving thanks can feel especially hard.
So, can gratitude and grief coexist? Writer and poet Izzy Roe offers this reflection: “Gratitude and grief can coexist – one honors the love that remains, and the other the love that was.”
Scripture also offers this reminder, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1, NIV).
Even in the hardest moments of grief, you are held in God’s love. Gratitude does not erase your grief; it can gently honor the love that remains.
Grief Support (offered via Zoom)
Grief & Gratitude Wednesday, November 18, 7-8 p.m. CT
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’ll explore how our hearts can hold both grief and gratitude.
Sacred stories: meaning making for the caregiving journey
Online support group, Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Caregivers (past and present) will be invited to explore the meaning of the journey through exercises such as writing, sharing stories and contemplative prayer.
If you are interested in joining a group or establishing one at your community, email us at optagegriefsupport@preshomes.org