Thanksgiving 2013

This year we have so much to be thankful for.  I would like to think that I am thankful for these things every year, but the most basic things have been striped away from people in the last two weeks and it truly makes you think about what is most important.  I had a friend who wrote "we lost everything but each other."  That puts a lot into perspective.  The question "If you only had five minutes to grab things what would you take?" has taken on a whole new meaning.  As well as our emergency plan/kit and where we store items in our home (or where we will when we get settled).  At the end of the day it is the PEOPLE not the STUFF that matters most.  This was our first holiday without Mimi (and she is our "people")  I know the next one is going to be even harder.  We also didn't get to see Kenny Pops as he was out west celebrating.  Despite the changes and devastation we remain strong and thankful.  Our community looks broken, but there are so many blessings.  I like to think of it as broken, but blessed.  The destruction is everywhere.  No matter what route I take the kids to school, or drive to dance or swimming you see the path the tornado took.  I hate that the kids have to see it everyday and that it has become part of their normal.  The word "damage" is in both of their vocabularies.  We have months and months of this ahead of us.  This isn't something that gets picked up overnight.  I am so thankful for the leaders and helpers.

David and Sara were home for Thanksgiving this year.  They got to experience our compound living situation :) The kids had so much fun playing with them and they do such a good job entertaining them.  I realized that the day they were leaving I hadn't told Elizabeth and she wasn't prepared for their departure.  Grant hugged and kissed them both, but then reached for Uncle David again and gave him an extra hug.  I am certain the kids didn't want them to leave.  Luckily they will be back in da few short weeks for Christmas!

My parent's prepared an awesome Thanksgiving feast.  As good as all of the food tasted I couldn't help to think how lucky we were to just be in their home, at their table, enjoying each other in familiar surroundings.  We have so many friends that are displaced and living in transition and facing so many unknowns.  Not having a house (on most days) doesn't seem like such a big deal.

Another very big challenge we are facing is helping the kids understand the circumstances and how to share their things with those who have lost so much.  Giving with a grateful heart cannot be forced, but must come from within.  Elizabeth struggled at first and didn't want to share any of her things (even things that she didn't use or wear anymore).  She finally said she would share as long as they promised to give them back (!) and that's the best we could get.  Of course I hold the mirror to ourselves and think have we not set a good example? Why does she not want to share?! But I realize that she is probably internally scared and is trying hard to hold on to what she does have, as a lot of her stuff isn't physically with us at the moment.  After a few weeks we finally had a break through and when I explained that there was a little girl that needed her help she wanted to choose what to give her and I knew her heart was truly in the right place this time (and she didn't ask for it back!).  I think letting her choose and be part of the process probably helped.  I should have guessed that letting them be involved in the process would help.  After choosing an outfit she did turn to Grant and say "You know if a little boy needs a swimsuit you may have to give up some of your stuff too!" We still have a ways to go with him, but he is only 3!

Count all of your blessings...everyday! Lots of good reminders this holiday season!

The Paulis "Washington Strong"