Thursday, November 27, 2008

Not the Usual List

So every where I look there are these lists of what everyone is thankful for. Family, friends, health all seem the common denominator. Well not on the Starman blog folks... As I thought today about what I am truly thankful for I came up with some rather unusual answers.

1.) Divorce
Uh come again, I can hear most people saying. But really, I am thankful that my parents and Scott's parents were smart enough and brave enough to endure the pain of divorce. While it caused both of us some heartache, and our parents too, I'm sure- without it we wouldn't be the people we are today. More importantly we wouldn't have these incredible step-parents in our lives and in the lives of our girls. Without the "Big D" there would be no Bobcat, no Bonnie, no Vee and no Ermin. A life I really can't imagine and frankly, don't want to.

2.) Disease and Death
Are you done reading yet? I know, it's pretty glum talk for what is supposed to be such an upbeat time of year, but stick with me, if you can. I will spare the gory details... Our family has been through the wringer when it comes to horrible, incurable ailments that can and have taken the lives of people we love way earlier than we would have liked. But again, it is the challenge of these times that have brought us together, made us understand the frailty of life and be truly thankful for every moment we have. Life isn't a dress rehearsal, so go ahead and have seconds, have another glass of wine and for God sakes, dance. You can't do it when your dead.

3.) War
This one is tough. Very tough. How on earth does someone find a reason to give thanks for such a reprehensible act? Because it makes those of us that are safe and warm and full and able to vote, safe and warm and full and able to vote. Our Larry is in Afghanistan right now. The pictures and videos he is able to post on Myspace give us only a glimpse into what he is going through, but I believe the Army saved him from an even darker life. I am sure that I will never be able to fully comprehend what the Vietnam and WWII vets in our family endured. And they did it simply because they were asked to by their country. I am thankful for it. More than words can say.

Thanksgiving isn't always what you think it will be. Most of the time, it's better. Kinda like life.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Starman's!

2 comments:

Vee said...

Wow!!!! You see what I mean now..you are the best kiddo! We are so blessed to be able to see things in ways that many people can't. And, you are able to put it all down into words that I wish I could. See you and talk to you soon..Love ya, Vee

harriet said...

Kirsten,
This is the best thing we have read in a long time. You MUST write a book or a column for some magazine or newspaper! You can say things better than anyone. That was very thought provoking!!!
I have sent this on to people as everyone should have a chance to read this!!! You are awesome!! By the way i think you should make reservations for Christmas dinner!
Love, aunt hat and uncle jer