Giving Thanks

Dear blogging friends,

I apologize for being out of touch, but it's been a difficult week.

First, my shoulder surgery went very well, but it hasn't been an easy recovery physically or mentally. I think I have actually been in a post surgery funk because my crazy life came to a screeching halt. I am slowly coming to terms with the reality that I will be unable to pick up a camera for a few months and given that it is my passion and my career it hasn't been an easy concept to grasp.

Secondly, our neighbor of 14 years, Richard Mayhew, passed away a few days ago. It was very sudden and unexpected. My heart goes out to his loving wife, Raymonde, who is a truly amazing woman, and their family and friends.

It is challenging to see the silver lining in difficult situations, but I know that in the case of my shoulder it is much easier than in the case of my neighbor. I know that my shoulder will most likely be 100% repaired and I will once again get to swim and jump rope and do cartwheels. After a lot of thought, I think the positve in my neighbors passing is that it really reminds me that we all need to be thankful for the gift of life.

So I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks for the amazing experiences that life brings us. In particular the richness of the relationships with our friends and family.

One of my fond childhood memories is Thanksgiving at my grandparents' home in Berkeley, California. I recall sitting around the large table with my crazy relatives and it was always very loud and colorful and I enjoyed soaking it all in.

My grandfather would always begin the dinner with a blessing.
It went something like this:

We give thanks for sunshine, for rain, for health, for happiness, for family, for friends and for food. Amen.

I hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones.

with love,
Daria