It’s the season to stop and be grateful for everything we have, and to remember we are just like our neighbors, whether they’re next door or around the world. We all could use a physical, spiritual and mental hug.

I’m a realist, but I’m also an optimist, so I’m going to stay stubborn and believe that brighter days will return again once all these dark clouds go away. Until then, here are some possible items for a baby boomer’s gratitude/wish list.

Eyebrows. I don’t know about you, but I think my eyebrows left one night while I was sleeping. I used to have thick eyebrows, and now I don’t seem to have anything…or could it be I just can’t see them? Sad.

Energy. Oh, those heady days when you arose to a sunny day with a full list and the energy to do it all, and still have enough left in the tank to engage in meaningful conversation in the evening! (Discussing which game to watch on television does not count.)

Kindness. It’s such an easy gift to give. Everyone’s worn out, scared and, increasingly, paranoid. So when there’s an opportunity to smile at someone, wish them a good day, or just be pleasant even when (and maybe especially when) they are being cross and impatient, just do it. Maybe the angels are keeping score and you’ll get an extra halo when you cross over.

Or maybe, you’ll just lighten someone else’s load for a second. (Which I think is why we are all here; I lost my notes so I can’t remember.)

Memory. Short-term. Mid-term. Long-term. All that stuff up there in our brain that we forget—lunch appointments, names, what day it is, why we ended up here—where does it all go? They say human noses and ears grow larger as we age. So is that where all my passwords are stored?  I think I read an article about this, but I can’t remember.

Time. It really is true. Time accelerates as you grow older. Fifth grade was endless. The last five years felt like 15 minutes. That doesn’t seem right. That list of things you absolutely want to do “someday”…better get on it. Even if you think it’s “too late” to take that trip, study a new language, learn Tai chi, or join the Rockettes, go for it. Be grateful for today: but don’t waste it.

Hope. This is a good one. I’m very, very grateful to still have hope. But I definitely could use more. Maybe that’s why so many things are in such a mess right now—so we can realize how important it is to have hope.

With a little patience, and a sense of humor, we can all sit at the table together this season and remember we’re grateful for all we have—especially the turkeys.

“We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm. Some are on super-yachts. Some have just the one oar.”

            Damian Barr

“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.

            Eeyore