Poem and prayer: forms and functions

¶ … Prayer

Although the historical meaning of the Thanksgiving Holiday has become somewhat trivialized, focused more on turkey and cranberry sauce and the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, I believe our family is one of the few that feels deeply in their souls the essence of being grateful. The tragedies that have befallen all of us are tragedies in which we all shared; not one of us here to day was or is spared from the pain that came from the loss of dad and Todd. The fact that we are now all here together, gathered in the presence of God, is no small miracle. Tragedies like ours are enough to tear apart families. Often the damage done is irreparable. Yet somehow through the grace of our Lord we have been able to transcend and to overcome.

On this Thanksgiving I would like to evoke the positive memories of my father and of my brother, two enormously special and influential people who touched the lives of all who knew them. I want us all now to focus on the joy and inspiration these two men spread in each of our lives. We must all die someday, and what matters in the end sometimes is the legacy that we leave behind. These two men can smile and rest, satisfied that their legacy was strong and good.

Look around us, at the amazing family we are, a family who now stands together though we live so far apart. I am thankful that the Thanksgiving holiday enables us all to do this: encourages us to leave the routines of our daily lives and spend valuable time and money to convene here. The younger generation might not yet appreciate the enormity of these moments we spend together but I know that deep down they do feel the love that now unites us. This moment is meaningful; I am glad that we have kept up this tradition in spite of the difficulties in coming together. I hope that we continue to do so, for us, for our children, and for our departed loved ones.