A Thanksgiving Thought

A friend asked me the other day what I'm grateful for in life. I thought for a few moments and said, "It's fortitude." Life presents sharp curves at times. Some leave indelible marks, but they leave us stronger too. My tough, 4' 11" mother at death's door fought back from five cerebral hemorrhages to talk, walk, drive, work and live another twenty-five years. She had fortitude beyond measure - spunk, spirit and humor too.

I've spoken this week with friends who are dealing with difficult times. They are tougher than they think.

I marvel at their fortitude. They get up each day and go on helping a child fight a long illness while meeting the needs of their other children as well, picking themselves up from a lost job, coping with a difficult relationship, or worrying about the health of a relative or friend. They despair at times, but that is part of the process.

When I think of what to be thankful for this year, there is a long list. But likely high up for most of us is every ounce of fortitude we can muster during difficult times. It forges, even in the darkest hours, a path through to brighter times. Fortitude is what allows us to lift our heads in that darkness to see a distant light, to rise to our knees, to our feet, and move forward toward a solution.

I don't know any other way to acquire fortitude than by going through hardship and coming out the other side. A lot of people won't be thanking God for keeping hardship from their doors this year, because that hasn't happened. But, with them, I'll be thankful for a measure of what it takes to meet each instance head on, to fall back if need be, but then to get up again and take life as it comes.

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Dr. Reardon also blogs at bardscove.com

Comments

[KGiblin]

Our lives are richer by the people we invite into them. So many moons ago, when Kathleen and I happened to meet and started our friendship based on shared experiences of being leaders in Girl Scouts, my wealth has grown since then. As a trusted advisor, sharing her insight in the business world through conversations and her books; and then as a valued friend, she has been there, walking along the path of life with me. This Thanksgiving, I am truly thankful for Kathleen's unfailing friendship; providing me the strength to meet life head on.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

KGiblin: And there are those of us richer for the invitation. Thank you for this. I'm tearing up here! That got Hilary in a lot of trouble!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[Peter Samuelson - Huffpost Blogger]

The great Rabbi Maimonides suggested several centuries ago that there are three levels to the human soul. The highest, and the rarest is called the N'Shuma. This is a communal, exogenous soul, which we can connect to but never actually 'own' as individuals. It is the sum total of all the instincts of helpfulness, charity, generosity, selflessness.... the total of what any of us do to lift up our people, our planet and our civilization. And the great thing about this N'Shuma is that when you first meet another person who totally inhabits that same space in their life, you feel as though you already know them. I've known Dr. Reardon for eighteen years. She came into my life when Steven Spielberg and I founded the Starbright Foundation. And when I founded www.firststar.org Kathleen Reardon was again there helping with the heavy lifting. Kathleen recently gave the ultimate gift to the 3.5 million needy and innocent young victims around us: she wrote the book about them! It comes out next week, it is called CHILDHOOD DENIED. You can get the book at: http://www.sagepub.com/booksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book228217&

On this Thanksgiving at the tipping point to an intelligent government, with the face of depraved evil visible in Mumbai, with hope for the future and great affection, I salute you, Kathleen for all the amazing things you do, for your fortitude under stress and I wish you a profound "Happy Thanksgiving". You are part of mine. Peter.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

Peter: You constantly give an extraordinary amount of time, talent and wisdom to better the lives of children, through Starlight, Starbright and First Star. Thank you for inviting me to be part of that. When you've visited my MBA classes, you've inspired all with your devotion to bettering the lives of others, especially children. I hope we always inhabit the same life space and that the book will help you and First Star improve the lives of children who wait for the love we've been blessed to have from our families. Have a Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

Kathleen

[sockman]

I actually enjoyed and can relate to this. Great writing.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you, sockman. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Archie1955]

Wonderful article and advice.

[Kathleen Reardon - Huffpost Blogger]

Archie1955, thank you for dropping by. Have a Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

Kathleen