It had been such a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. We were a week early celebrating as this was the best time for us to get together as a family. At bedtime the night before I told stories, read and sang songs just like I used to do when they were little. Then the next day, table set and ready, we prepared the feast.
It was a wonderful Thanksgiving – so many reasons to be thankful!
Destination Unknown
Later when the children had gone home, I made a greeting card for my nephew and his partner. They are expecting their first child. Such an exciting time. The soon-to-be parents are about to embark on a whole new adventure with so many hopes and dreams for this little baby.
As I was writing the first lines, I listened to an interview with legendary Tom Hanks. I heard the words, “you are about to start a journey and the destination is unknown”. Now, isn’t that the truth! We never know where life’s journey will take us. There will be dips and pot holes, twists and turns. Sometimes we will have to change focus and direction because of the unexpected. Sometimes the path will take us beyond our wildest dreams. And then what?
What do I search for now?
My mind went back to the bedtime stories and the poems I had read the week before. There was quite a mixture this particular day – mostly poems. Some were my own, others written by their dad and some written by well known authors like Shel Silverstein, Robert Service, Llewis Caroll, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. And the list went on. I loved how they listened so intently, how they were moved by the depth of what they heard, and how they laughed. Yes, when a grandmother gets to snuggle in with her grandchildren and carry on that age-old tradition, the time is precious.
Having laughed our way through Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends“, it was the very last poem that did it.
The Search by Shel Silverstein
I went to find the pot of gold
That’s waiting where the rainbow ends.
I searched and searched and searched and searched
And searched and searched, and then –
There it was, deep in the grass,
Under an old and twisty bough,
It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s mine at last …
What do I search for now?
Yes, so many hopes and dreams when the journey begins. We have no idea where it will take us or what we will face along the way. There may even be rainbows that lead to the treasures we once longed for, but now no longer so. It reminds me of one of Harry Martin’s songs:
“We search for the things that we long for,
and we long for the things we can’t find.
When the fortunes we seek seem so close to complete,
we suddenly leave them behind.”
Yet, with the destination still unknown, perhaps we will think …
“What do I search for now?”
Life is about the journey, not the destination. Never stop reaching for the stars.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh Beulah, how do you do it?? Wonderful stories, experiences and sentiments. LUV IT !!
Reading this on my cell phone and it was great.
Look forward to getting a call when you have time.
I had 9 of us for Thanksgiving. It was wonderful.
Have so much news to share…
Ghislaine
Wonderful! I am delighted you enjoyed it, Ghislaine. I’ll call today if at all possible. Can’t wait to hear your news.
Beulah
Keep telling your stories. I just hope the next generation can remember your stories and pass them on
Love you and Happy Thanksgiving, Day 3
Next generation … Now that’s a thought! Love and hugs right back to you.
Beulah
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Beulah. I am new to your stories and writings, but I would expect no less of you. You have a beautiful soul❤️ we are so blessed to have our children and grandchildren to snuggle and hold.. lots to be thankful for!
I am happy you are enjoying the little stories … it always just about little things. A rough year for you – Hang in there!
Beulah
you have made my day again, love reading your stories , this one l can relate to . We never know from day to day how our lives can take us in a different direction in the blink of an eye. Sometimes we wonder how blessed we are in the new direction. Please keep on writing , your so gifted.
Oh Bonnie, you are so right, sometimes it all changes in the blink of an eye. You know more so than most. It is wonderful that the story struck a chord. Thank you for sharing and for the encouragement.
Beulah
Another marvellous story Beulah! So happy you enjoyed your Thanksgiving with your grandchildren. Take care- hopefully will see you soon!
Great to hear from you Margie. Thanks for your comment. Be sure to pop in for a visit when you out this way again.
Beulah
Wow Beulah you did it again! Captivating story telling that makes you totally want more! I love your stories & I am so enjoying every one I read, my treasured friend! Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🦃 🦃
Now that is wonderful – makes me want to sit right down and write another story! See you soon. Hugs
Beulah