Thanksgiving

“she closed her eyes

and thought of her year.

it couldn't be just the "good" she was

thankful for.

it had to be the "all"...

the fullness, the depths, the journey.

the dance of life.

for these she gave thanks.”

—terri st. cloud, bone sigh arts

After reading terri st. cloud’s poem above, I went for a walk and thought about “the all” and realize, for me, it goes back further than a year.

November and Thanksgiving have always been one of my most celebrated seasons. My name, Terese, means “Harvester.” When I first learned this, I was young. I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, and to hear this, I was disappointed because we didn’t even live close to a farm.😅

My mom told me the story that the doctor who would be delivering me asked a few months before I was due if she had chosen a name for this fourth child of hers. She shook her head no. He thought a moment and said, Terry, would be a fine name if you have a boy or a girl.

She liked it.

When I was born, I was named Terese Marie. I was about 11 when I questioned why mom gave me that name, hoping to hear it was after someone unique and with a profound life that I could follow. Of course, being a middle child, the desire to be different and stand out in a good way was always a dream of mine, but it wasn’t going to happen—not yet anyway—and having the meaning of ‘harvester’ for a name made it even more frustrating.

As I grew up, I learned, connecting with people, listening to their stories, and sharing mine brought a purpose to my life, and as I started working with the youth and community, this purpose bloomed into a “harvest” of sorts. When people of all ages would talk with me, they would say afterwards that, they felt a lightness, and it was as if their burdens softened, and they knew in their hearts that they were loved no matter what they did in life by a Creator who loves without limitations or judgements.

Seeking a reason to be thankful and to search out positivity even in the most extreme circumstances has always been a part of my nature. Sharing this with others was and is essential in bringing peace to their hearts and hope that they know they are loved entirely with no strings attached.

While reflecting further and writing this story, I also learned that Harvesters embrace vitality, renewal, and brighter days, illuminating the way for those aspiring for something more. Tears started forming as I read this because the definition agreed with my purpose: "To shine my light, enabling others to discover their paths.”

Ah, realizing my name represents who I am is now understood and has come full circle.

Well, now that I think about it, I guess the doctor who offered the name of Terry to my mom was unconsciously involved in an intervention. Spirit has a beautiful way of quietly stepping in, unnoticed.

For all who have stepped on my path, this year and past years, and the different emotions and experiences we went through together, I asked myself if I have harvested, grown, expanded, and changed with how I looked at life, today.

The answer: A profound and solid ~ Yes!

Wishing you a whimsical, joyful, peaceful, and delicious Thanksgiving, and as you give thanks for all those in your life, don’t forget to give love and appreciation for the one who has made it through this year with strength, compassion, and courage~ that would be….You!💖

Thought to ponder:

When you look back on your life, was there a quiet intervention that changed the dynamics of your perspective and guided you to take another path?

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