Fifty years ago, Jim adopted his first dog from a shelter. He told me how much all the dogs he had cared for over the years had meant to him.
Herein lies the grit of gratitude: as a practice we take time to do it consistently, we do it whether we’re “feeling it” in that moment or not.
I owe a great debt of thanks to the staff of St. John’s and to Judi and Ed for allowing me to be part of their team for a day (and inviting me back!), opening my eyes ever wider to the gravity of homelessness and the importance of volunteerism, particularly for those who are the most needy among us.
As always, my children and husband have enriched my emotional education and taught me some things about Thanksgiving.