Feeling FORKy these days.

Been in a mood. Not great. Not bad. Actually creatively productive yet I'm not sure if it's the gloomy weather. Or the pandemic restrictions. It could be my aching heart wishing to see my gram just one more time and feel her hand on my face.

The season of Thanksgiving ALWAYS has me reflecting. A lot of things have happened this year, personally and professionally, as for many of you, and overall, it has been a year of creativity and gratitude. I just read this quote from Michael J. Fox today, and it's profound; "You can be a realist and an optimist at the same time." I have to say, I feel 2020 can be summed up for me in his quote. I continue to work with my business coach/mentor because I strive to be a better human so that I may transfer this growth BOTH professionally and personally. You'd have to ask him how I'm doing but I've made myself more vulnerable. I've taken a few blows. I've raised a few toasts. I've taken off some "armor" as Brene' Brown would say and I remain in the ring.

This year, especially the week leading up to Thanksgiving, my hope and prayer for anyone who is reading this is this; keep your fork!

I know it may sound weird, but keep your fork! And here's why.

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given 3 months to live. As she was getting her things in order, she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung, which scriptures she would like read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order. As the pastor was preparing to leave, the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand. "The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story and I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who need encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!" So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them:

"Keep your fork...the best is yet to come."

So, after you finish your 2nd helping of Thanksgiving supper or Friendsgiving dinner, and reach down for your fork, let it remind you, ever so gently, that THE BEST IS YET TO COME, in your life and with Spirit of Discovery Park! -Until next time, jamie : )