Giving Thanks

Alright, I know this is a day late, but the computer has been on the blitz (no surprise there), but now that it's up and running, I can send it (and be thankful that my computer is functioning for another day)!

A Thanksgiving Reflection

In the day and age where we seemingly put focus on our personal needs, finishing things as quickly as possible and moving on to the next task on our To-Do lists, we more often than not forget to slow down and look around us, to take in our surroundings, and to embrace what we have, not what we're working towards.

I am thankful for the people in my life. The ones who are still here and the ones who have long since departed in every sense of the word. I am thankful for the opportunities that have been knocking at my doorstep and for the ones I had to go searching for. I am thankful for the nurturing, however unorthodox it may have been, my parents raised me with. I am thankful for the ones who have taught me lessons, whether it be in the classroom, or out, in school or on trips. I am thankful for those who put up with me and never gave up on me, pushing me to do more and be more.

I am thankful for the rising and setting of the sun, for the leaves floating gently to the ground at the turn of the summer season. I am thankful for the sun that shines and for the moon that lights up the night. For the trees on campus and my ability to climb (some of) them. For the trails int the hills and the endless roads for which to ride on. For the beauty of the Bay Area, the most breathtaking place I have been lucky to encounter. My cat, who is nearly my equal, but for lack of communicable words and who I miss dearly each and every day. My creativity that brings joy to those who are fortunate to experience and appreciate it. My life, despite the roadblocks and potholes experienced daily.

I am thankful for those who I have met in the past twenty-seven months, whether you are the cashier at the Whole Foods in Portland or the bus driver of the shuttle or the receptionist at the hospital in Berkeley or a regular at the bike shop. For my friends, my teammates, my cycling coach and mentor. For the guys at the bike shop, who provide laughter, sanity, and a continuous flow of bike knowledge. My professors and my running buddy, who I miss dearly every time I am out for a run (but who I know is doing amazing, wonderful things with her life in her far-away place). I am thankful for those who challenge me and the ones who I challenge. For those I love and those who love me in return. For my experiences in college and the homeless men who get the extra food I carry with me into town, for their kind (albeit amusing) words of luck on my midterms. I am thankful for my classmates and fellow Mills Women, those who I have met and those I have yet to meet. Without you, this experience would be much harder to put up with.

I am thankful for those who have known me since Day 1 and thereafter. Although you are each in your far-off places, I think of you often and hope you are doing beyond well. I am thankful for the summers spent, the days in school, the bike rides we’ve shared. I am thankful for the vacations spent with you and the spontaneous excursions we have embarked upon together, no matter where we went (and at what hour).

I am thankful for my family, whom with each passing day I grow ever closer to. For my sister, who I am closer with, share clothes with, and who always has a listening ear. For my brother, who gives me motivation to dig deeper and push harder (even though he doesn’t realize it) and for his humor that sends me into uncontrollable fits of laughter. For my parents who raised me. You did a terrific job—I only hope I can do the same for my kids in the far-off future. For the animals that I cannot call “pets”, for they are more like people than animals and are treated like people.

I am thankful for the lovers in my life, the lovers of music, of art, of worldly affairs, of wine, of driving, and especially, of passion and intimacy. I am thankful for the pens and the papers and the journals and the photos that clutter my room and can no longer drive my mother absolutely insane, now that I am 1,800 miles away. The dried roses of birthdays past, the books strewn across my floor, begging to be read again. For my friends and hallmates, laughing in the hall and the jokes we tell one another, when we should be doing schoolwork. For this, and so much more, I am forever thankful.

With love and thanks,

Jillian