Devonne Brown

This year I am grateful for so many things, but what swims to the top of mind are my live-in son, Ian and his girlfriend, Norris, and of course my writing group. Ian and Katelyn have gone out of their way to be nice to me. I appreciate being included in their plans and lives. Though Norris, that awful house cat drives me crazy, he is my constant companion. I can always count on him to be ignored yet depended upon. My writing group is the source of my strength. It challenges me and gives me support like nothing else in my life.

Though I love both of my sons more than I’ve ever loved anything, Ian has been a particular source of comfort and joy this year. Completing his masters degree with honors at the dining room table, though challenging for both of us, was a source of pride beyond measure. When he drove to his courses in Huntington and shared my car, leaving me stuck at home, I had time to reflect on how blessed I was to have him with me. He was no longer under the duress of the movie business and the influences of the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol that surrounded him in Canada. The relief I felt as he studied so hard was a balm to a mother’s soul. He said when he started out that he wanted to be successful, he has to some degree, reached that goal.

Norris, my eighteen year cat continues to devil me with the antics he did when we brought him home from the animal shelter. He’s honed his craft. He bangs his dish for cream. He tosses my phone and remote to the television for attention. He lays on my keyboard to read every word I type. I am painfully aware of his age and watch his every sneeze with concern. Though he shows no signs of stopping his trials and tribulations, I am thankful that I have him.

I am most thankful for my writing companions. I bare my soul to these women. Group is a safe haven in which to bleed, often joyful, sometimes painful, it is home. I am grateful to be here any day I can be. This week, while I’m on Thanksgiving break, I get to be with them every day, and that makes me very happy. I will write something, whether it means anything or not. It keeps my mind and soul alive, and I love these ladies for allowing that to happen. I am grateful.