Counting Blessings

Hello friends,

Another wind storm rages outside my windows, and it froze again last night. I’m well aware that people slept on the streets last night, and that once again my adopted city is threatening stable encampments of unhoused people because too many people with houses don’t want to look at them anymore.

Today? I’m counting my blessings. I’ve got a snug house. A bed. Food. A computer. Books. My household recently invested in a new, efficient wood burner insert for the 105 year old fireplace.

Too many people have none of these.

Sure, I live with an autoimmune disorder in a world that thinks the global pandemic is over. Sure, I’ve got family members and friends to worry about, too. But overall? My personal worries are small. I know that isn’t the case for everyone reading this. Some of you are struggling right now, for real. I see it. I know it.

My most recent struggle was with the brain damage I sustained, first from a concussion, then from a subsequent virus. It was literally the worst time of my adult life. But, thanks to very good physical therapists and time, my brain injury is mostly healed. And thanks to medication, a restricted diet, and liberal doses of CBD, my chronic illness is mostly stable, too.

I can read. I can write. I can exercise, though not intensively. I can appreciate the world, even if it is through a window on a high wind day like this.

So yeah. I count my blessings. I feel grateful every day.

All this reminds me: we have some warm clothing and boots to pass along to friends who do direct work with folks living through this weather on the streets. And other people spring for hotel rooms, and we make donations there, too. And I need to bring a case of Tasty Bite to the free pantry down the road. And pass along some electronics to another friend who refurbishes them for people who need them.

Just like it’s the simple stuff that I feel thankful for? It’s the simple stuff that keeps us all going.

We are all we have, friends. In a world on fire, or drowning, or in pain, we are all we have. Sometimes we’re the ones in need, other times it is those around us. And that’s what mutual aid is all about: we share skills, talents, and resources to keep our communities alive.

Sometimes, through our efforts and creativity? Communities are able to thrive.

I hope you are getting the support you need.

Please, tell me what you’re grateful for today. One of the things I feel grateful for is you.

best wishes - Thorn

Yes, I still have books for sale (and on sale)! But this month? I hope you find a way to give locally. Here’s a Free Fridge map. Not all free pantries and fridges are listed, but this is a great place to start!