In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.
― Elizabeth Gilbert
So lucky to have our grown children with us today, finishing up the Thanksgiving prep, graciously sharing hosting duties, and almost making it through the day before succumbing to well-earned naps. Now we are packing up leftovers for their coolers and preparing to send them on their way. They have other responsibilities: pets to care for, jobs to do tomorrow, friends to check in on. But they come home to the lake when they can, and we are grateful for it.
-Wendy White Goddard, 2018
Praying
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
― Mary Oliver
If you die and nobody brings food, it’s a sign that you weren’t very nice.
– Julia Reed
The Gloria Sirens 