Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Thankfully Charmed (in spite of my husband's opinion)



This time of year, people want to know for what are you thankful. The first thing that pops into my head is family. Although my maternal and paternal grandparents had rather large families, seven children on both sides, my immediately family is small. I am one of three children and each of us had one son. We’re small and close.

I tell my husband, we live a charmed life. He shakes his head; but honestly, I think we do. Not that we haven’t had our share of heartache, loss of loved ones, sickness, and financial woes. Cancer has taken parents from us. A couple of us live with conditions that flare and make daily life tough. We've known addiction and loneliness, too. The economy and bad decisions have caused some mighty lean times on both sides of our family. 

But we hang together, take comfort in each other, and come through with laughter. Laughter is a big component in our family. We laugh easily. I remember going to a Woody Allen movie years ago and the only people laughing throughout were my brother, sister and me. My mom, sister and I have taken a few road trips together. We can get lost on a Los Angeles freeway and laugh our heads off.

Each member of my family has been an inspiration for a character in my books...and not in the mushy, inspirational kind of way. My mom and dad are found in Post-War Dreams. My sister is the fun heroine in Sleeping with the Lights On. My brother has his part in the book I'm currently writing, The Power of Love and Murder. Some of my son's characteristics are found in the hero in The Art of Love and Murder. I guess I'm glad I have some real characters in my family!

My husband and I have recently ended another chapter of our life and as we begin the next, as of yet unknown, I know that no matter what life deals us, our charmed existence and loving family will be along for the ride. 

For what are you thankful?

Although she didn’t start out to write romantic suspense, Brenda has found all good stories involve complicated human relationships. She’s also found no matter a person’s age, a new discovery is right around every corner. Whether humorous or serious, straight contemporary or suspense, all her books revolve around those two facts.

Visit Brenda at www.brendawhiteside.com.
She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com
She blogs about writing and prairie life at http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

17 comments:

Sheri Fredricks said...

Wonderful post that made me stop, think, remember times past. I'm thankful for each and every day. I should remind myself of that more often.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks, Sheri. I think we all need reminding on a steady basis.

Alicia Dean said...

So glad you lead a charmed life, Brenda. That's a wonderful attitude. I also lead a charmed life in many ways. I am exceedingly blessed. My favorite thing about the Thanksgiving holiday, other than being with family, is the reminder to think about what we're thankful for. I'm thankful for my family, that we still have Mom, that I have such wonderful friends, my three awesome kiddos, and my writing career and the people I've met in my journey. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg. I have TONS of things I'm thankful for. ;)

Jannine Gallant said...

Today I'm thankful I made it down the mountain in a snowstorm to pick up Tara from college. I'll be even more thankful when we make it back up the mountain. Cross your fingers for me!

Joanne Guidoccio said...

Brenda, thanks for an uplifting post. I'm thankful for reaching the 11-year mark as breast cancer survivor, publication of three books, support from friends and online community, and the privilege of living in Canada. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends! :)

Alison Henderson said...

Wonderful post! You made me miss my siblings. We're scattered across the country and don't see each other nearly often enough. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Good for you Alicia. We still have Mom too at age 85. We're both lucky!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Fingers crossed, Jannine. Although I think by now you either did or didn't. LOL

Brenda Whiteside said...

Joanne, so much to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thank you Alison. Have a great holiday.

Diane Burton said...

What a wonderful post, Brenda. Despite ups and downs in our life, I'm very thankful I shared it with my best friend. The most wonderful thing about him is he makes me laugh, esp. when I get too serious. My children, their spouses, and grandchildren have enriched my life. I love that we'll be together on Thanksgiving--my daughter, son-in-law, and their children plus my sister. We'll be with our son, daughter-in-law, and baby granddaughter for her first Christmas. My list of things I'm thankful for could go on for pages. But I'm really grateful for the wonderful people I've met online, esp. all of you.

stanalei said...

A sense of humor is the best thing in life to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing, Brenda. Best of luck on the next phase of your life.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Sounds like a wonderful family, Diane. So nice!

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thank you, Stanalei.

Margo Hoornstra said...

It is so important to laugh, loud and often. Add me to the I'm so thankful for the life I've had list. Many ups and downs, sure but more of the former, much more. Thanks for the reminder, Brenda.

Leah St. James said...

Great post, Brenda! I'm like you, thankful for the many blessings we have. And my hubby isn't so sure either! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Thanks Margo and Leah. Have a great T-day.