Serene Karplus, Nederland.   “Thankitude” is the outward expression of an inner sense of gratitude. It is more than just saying “thank you.” It is the cultivation in every fiber of our being of an understanding that every day and every interaction with others is a gift, no matter what challenges they may present.

We read memorials of those we love that celebrate the rare individual, like Barbara Lawlor, who honored everyone, did what she loved to the last, continuously embedded yet one more beautiful image into memory (chip or brain), and who deeply appreciated the rustle of leaves or soft flakes of snow floating by. Do we need to be diagnosed with a terminal illness to deeply connect with nature and the people who surround us?

Why not live and love deeply now? Instead of writing a letter of love or forgiveness to tuck away with our final documents, why not share it now? Why not rise up to an expanded view above the smaller frustrations or troubles of daily life?

My father Henry has chosen to dwell for his final years in that place of appreciation that spreads joy to all. Unable to contribute much else to the world around him now, he shares a smile or thumbs up greeting to those he sees as his wheelchair passes by. His world has shrunk and become a bit less dignified after his stroke last summer. He doesn’t dwell on what he has lost. He lives in the moment and appreciates simple things – the scene outside his window, a brief visitor, the caregivers who ensure his needs are met at any hour of day or night.

Instead of grumbling about failed body parts requiring assistance, he expresses profuse gratitude to those who show up to help. None is ever taken for granted, even in a facility named “assisted living,” because he recognizes that each person has chosen to open their heart to him to care for him. No one can be paid enough to actually want to clean up a grown man after an accident. The caregivers show up because they care about the person inside the body that no longer behaves the way it did for the prior 92 years and they are sympathetic to how that might feel to the person experiencing it.

Never complaining that his kids or grandkids in their busy lives don’t visit enough (we know we don’t), he lights up at the sight of any one of us and effusively exclaims, no matter how brief the visit, “Thank you for coming! Thank you for visiting! Thank you! Thank you!”

I am continuously delighted by folks who sidle up to me to express appreciation for some small thing I have done. Or my sweetheart’s quick calls to simply say, “I love you and appreciate you.” The comments spring not from a traditional transaction that calls for a socially polite “thank you” after some favor received, but from a bigger place in our hearts and spirits. They reflect an inner world so overflowing with gratitude that it naturally pours out as verbal expressions to others.

We can all light up the lives of others by lighting up our own first, living in that rich, grateful inner world, appreciating all that is good in life. When we do, we sprinkle loving expressions of “thankitude” on those around us. We may sometimes not achieve our ideal, but if we keep in mind people like Barbara and Henry, we can continually grow toward that space where our gratitude naturally overflows and floods those around us.
Happy Thankitude, everyone!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the popular Holiday Mountain Market Arts & Crafts Festival and Silent Auction with over 200 items! Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. -5 p.m., and December 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with live performances all day both days, 60 artisans/crafters, festive hot foods, photos with Santa and story time at the top of each hour Noon to 3 p.m. Early bidding for a small sampling of auction items is available at Citywide Bank in Nederland through November 29.

All ages of adults are welcome at all events. Sign up for all meals and events at 303-258-0799 or Meetup.com/Mountain-MidLife-Social-Group or by email at NederlandAreaSeniors@gmail.com. Meals are served at the Nederland Community Center. Please call at least two days ahead for meal reservations. Missed the deadline? Call anyway. Costs listed show first the age 60+ requested anonymous contribution, then the under-age-60 price. Please note that all age 60+ are welcome at meals regardless of ability to contribute financially.

Monday, November 26, Noon, Szechwan Chicken w Cashews, Stir Fried Vegetables, Brown Rice, Orange.

Wednesday, November 28, Noon, Beef Lasagna w Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Italian Salad, Apple.