Category: Thankful Thursdays

Thankful for candles. Around since B.C. They light a room, set a mood, celebrate a birthday, dedicate a prayer (us Cubans, we love to “encender una velita”). And in South Florida, where winter is…well, you know, sort of not, candles fill our homes with the scent and feel of holidays. ¡Dale, enciende esa velita! P.S.  Please…

Thankful that I am rich in the things that matter. What Money Can’t Buy A bed, but not sleep. Books, but not brains. Food, but not appetite. Finery, but not beauty. A house, but not a home. Medicine, but not health. Luxuries, but not culture. Amusements, but not happiness. A crucifix, but not a Savior….

In the spirit of Halloween and dressing up, here’s a throwback to September 5, 1969, Habana, Cuba – me in my flamenco get-up – designed and created by my Mom, who made gazillion costumes throughout the years to dress up my sister, my brother, and me, and every kid in our family (whether we liked them…

There are things I wish I could change. The fact I can’t is a stark reminder that I am not in control, and hence a great lesson in acceptance. So, like it or not, for the things I cannot change, today I am thankful. If freckles were lovely, and day was night, And measles were…

That my children have a home. So many images of displaced children. Mothers, fathers, carrying them, their most precious possessions, across countless borders, fleeing from oppression and other terrible things. My parents did this for us, but the images I retain in my memory about that time (although indeed hard times) are not nearly as…

Thankful that life moves in circles and unruly shapes and patterns – allowing for second chances, for negatives to turn into positives, for lessons to turn into wisdom. God shakes things up, yes, like it or not. I have learned it serves one best to go with it. What are you thankful for today? “We turn to…

For moments. That moment I look around the dinner table, see my husband and kids, and feel a rush of warmth inside. That moment Mom gives me a totally lucid response with a word or gesture and I know she’s still in there. That moment the doctor walks in after my procedure and tells me…

For challenges. They may suck at the time, but I’ve learned they make me a better person. What are you thankful for today? “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened…

Thankful for the opportunities God puts before me to serve and to share my faith. And in no bigger way that’s true than by teaching CCD. Looking forward to this term that just started. My friends, be on the lookout and stand ready to take advantage of your opportunities. What are you thankful for today?…

For the love, comfort, and support my children give me. They still search me out for that goodnight hug and kiss. A blessing at 23 and 20 (although sometimes I wonder if they’re not 11 and 8 instead, as they’ve been running around the house lately blasting one another with Star Wars guns they recently…