A Day of Mourning: A Call to Reflect on What We’re Grateful For

We often take what we have for granted and forget to acknowledge the blessings that our loved ones provide in our lives. This year, I will not forget to thank my family, my friends, and everything else that makes me grateful to have another day on this Earth. I will spend today mourning those who are missing from our Thanksgiving celebrations and those that we simply can’t be with this holiday.   And yes, I will mourn with the natives of this land over the remembrance this day brings of much suffering and loss.

Day of Mourning

The day of mourning, or National Day of Mourning, was established in 1970 by the United American Indians of New England. It is held every year on Thanksgiving Day and is a day for Native Americans to reflect on all the adverse effects that colonization has had on Native American people throughout history. It is also a day to remember those who are no longer with us today, including loved ones and family members who have passed away, as well as those who are still with us but have been affected by colonialism.

The Importance of Family

I will eat today, but I will herald this Thanksgiving as a Day of Mourning. May you spend this day with your family, reflecting on your gratefulness for sharing another day amongst them.

I am thankful for my family. They are the people who show me what it means to love unconditionally and without reservation. They are the ones who show me how to go about living my life in a way that is full and whole because they make me never feel alone in this world.

Being thankful for life

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the little things. I am thankful for the Cornish hens that we will eat and the pie that we will enjoy. I am thankful for my family and friends who have supported me through all of life’s struggles. And most importantly, I am thankful to you who read this post. As Thanksgiving is a time to be with loved ones, it is also a time when we are reminded of how lucky we are to share this day with our families. As I share my love and gratitude with those close to me today, may you do the same in your own way.

Why we should reflect on our gratefulness

We often get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that we forget about the things we are thankful for. If you take a moment today and think about what you are thankful for, it will put your life into perspective. The world’s weight will seem less heavy as you realize how lucky you are to have family, friends, and other loved ones in your life. I hope that this day reminds me that life is precious and that living it with gratitude is essential.

Conclusion

Mourning is a time for reflection, and I encourage you to spend some time today thinking about what you are thankful for. And if you are feeling overwhelmed by your sorrow, please know that there are people out there, including me, who love you and want nothing more than to see the light come back into your eyes.-MM