Trio

It’s not easy for Franny and Cole to understand what it really means to give thanks. They have everything they need, and always have. Someday I know they will be thankful for our wonderful family. Having always had these relationships, however, they really can’t conceptualize what it would be like not to have them. We’ve talked about what being thankful means, but without that perspective, some of the meaning is inevitably lost. Their understanding will come with experience, I know. And, while it is important to recognize the blessings in our lives, right now I am thankful they don’t understand what it means not to have love, family, a home, or food. No child should. One of the difficult things about children getting older, is that you can begin to foresee that someday they will be hurt, lonely, and go through challenging times. And, those experiences will shape them as much as the positive forces that we try to provide for them. But, for now, I am thankful that they are innocent and carefree and don’t have to understand all that yet.

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time

--Paul Simon