A Thanksgiving of gratitude and healing
The first holiday season without his wife brings heartache but also joy and gratitude.
The holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, often fall short of the perfect, Hallmark-style images we see on TV. For some, it’s about navigating family dynamics or the pressure of preparing the perfect meal. For others, the season can bring sharp reminders of loss—of loved ones who once filled the space around the table but are now absent.
This will be my first Thanksgiving without Jody and I never imagined in a million years that I would be in this position. I always assumed that I would spend the rest of my life with her, but it turned out that she spent the rest of her life with me. Life, as it so often does, had other plans.
Thanksgiving was always a special time for us—a time for family, for our cherished traditions like running a Turkey Trot, and for going around the table to share what we’re most thankful for. This year, though, creating a list of things to be thankful for feels a little different. But the list is still there.
I’m thankful for my son, my daughter-in-law, and that beautiful baby boy. He’s such a blessing. I’m thankful for the family and friends who have loved and supported me through some of the darkest days in my life. You have helped me heal my broken heart. I’m thankful for the simple abundance in my life—food to eat, a roof over my head—and for the chance to share that abundance with those who may be struggling.
Though this holiday season will be bittersweet, I hold on to the hope that brighter days are ahead. I believe that living each day to its fullest—just as Jody would have wanted, and as I believe God would want—can carry me through.
Finally, thank you all for your love and encouragement in allowing me to share this journey over the last seven months. I wish each of you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and hope.
Love you all
💜
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.