Thread by @Norlaine

Our thing, for Thanksgiving dinner, a ritual of sorts, is before we all dive into the piles of food, is to go around the table and everyone say what they are thankful for in their life. It can be awkward for some, and I feel for newcomers to the family, partners of our kids 1/8

Because it does sort of put one on the spot. (And our kids should be prepping their partners in advance). But this year I am pretty clear on what I am thankful for. 2/8

I am thankful that none of us was hurt in the random gun violence last night. I am thankful that we have places we can be safe, while acknowledging that many people do not. I am thankful that my kids have love and compassion at the core of their beings. 3/8

I acknowledge that it is hard to have love and compassion if you have not known those things in your life, so I am thankful that we have had the privilege of being able to raise our children without the encumbrances of generational trauma, 4/8

Or poverty, or systemic racism. I know I can't begin to understand how hard it is to have to fight all of that while still doing the work of raising children. We were poor in the early days, but we had openings to get ourselves out of that, and many do not. 5/8

I am grateful that I live in a society where we can, if we choose to, change the course of life for those who have been alienated, discriminated against, persecuted, impoverished, disenfranchised, cheated of their birthrights... 6/8

And I am grateful that I have a voice to urge other to join in the movement to embrace reconciliation, justice, and equality. I am also grateful for my family. My ancestors who shaped who I am, my values and my voice. And also for my children... 7/8

To whom I entrust the legacy of speaking out against injustice, carrying of the torch of honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, love, & loyalty. We need to foster the fire of change & justice in our children & I am thankful that I have have had the privilege to do that. 8/8