Sunday Citar ~ Thankful

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”
~Morrie Schwartz

I recently found myself on an early morning six-hour flight away from my family. A quiet stretch of 360 minutes spent alone with my thoughts, even though I was seated amidst a sea of people stretching outward from seat 14A. You might wonder, what does a mother do during such a long stretch of solitude without the constant chorus of "Mommy? Mommy! Mommy!"?

I thought.

About being a mom and what that truly entails. About the lessons my kids are picking up and the traditions they'll remember as they grow older and share stories with their friends and family. About how, since the start of my own family, I may have only been present for Thanksgiving once, though I honestly can't recall for sure. While we do celebrate in our own way—usually with a Thanksgiving dinner a few days early, complete with all the trimmings, a splash of kid-friendly wine to toast with (which my kids absolutely adored this year, especially Brayden, who insisted on clinking cups without taking a sip or pausing to eat), and Aliyah's beautifully hand-drawn portraits of each of our faces as our place cards—I often wonder if they fully grasp the significance of this holiday. We talk about what we're grateful for, decorate our countertops with library books about the first Thanksgiving, and discuss the importance of family over material possessions as we sort through items we'd like to donate to those in need. But do they truly understand?

I believe these are thoughts that linger in the minds and hearts of anyone who has loved someone from birth—or even before—especially those tasked with raising another human being. Yet, I think it’s not just about teaching or training but truly loving—and learning to accept love in return. When my child’s tiny hands form into a heart-shaped gesture and their sweet voice calls out, "Mommy," waiting expectantly with a smile, I know they're learning to love, and they're teaching me how to let it in. And when that happens, we're better equipped to love others, to give freely, to forgive quickly, to seek forgiveness sooner, and to be more grateful.

They’re starting to get it, and I think I am too.