On Thanksgiving this year, after dinner with my family, I joined my niece at her home for dessert. As night came, some guests gathered in her backyard and had an impromptu drumming session around a glowing fire. Later, she offered the opportunity for us to write what we were thankful for on a “gratitude lantern”. She would then light the paper lamp and send it into the sky along with our gratitude. I wrote one word…Mira. Ours was just the one lantern, but I found photos of when thousands were lit and set sailing. My niece also did a similar thing to celebrate the New Year.
Google Images: Paper lanterns lighting up the sky
Giving thanks this year, but especially for you;
Relatives and friends join together
All bringing good will and love for each other.
Today was different than so many others,
It included you, an addition to our world.
Tiny, but here, with full-fledged awareness
Urging us listen as you learn to utter.
Delighted, we focus, hanging on each coo.
Engaged, connected, our spirits merging.
Let us share and pen our thanks,
Annointing our hearts with gratitude.
Night arrives, the day is done,
Tablas beat an ancient tune.
Emitting a glow as it ascends,
Reminding us of what is dear,
New grace as our light lifts to the sky.
Jamie Dedes
/ December 17, 2012What a lovely tradition. I like it.
Will you one day collect all your poems and post, the ones that include Mira, so that she has it for treasure when she grows up?
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Jamie Dedes
/ December 17, 2012… I meant putting poems and posts into a bound collection! …
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Bodhirose
/ September 17, 2014Visiting some old posts today and found that I hadn’t responded to this, Jamie. I think that’s a great idea. I would like to share some writings with her…especially those that reference her.
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Jamie Dedes
/ September 17, 2014That would be such a sweet thing and something she could treasure to keep her strong as she grows up …
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Bodhirose
/ September 18, 2014Yes, very sweet…I like the idea, Jamie…thanks so much.
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