Lonely Gratitude

*** I had these thoughts and wrote this poem when Dad and Mom were on one of their missions. Them serving each of their missions was hard for all of us, but their willingness to serve and their faithful service brought many blessings to us as their family and to the many people they grew to love in their mission areas.

Lonely Gratitude

This year I felt lonely on Thanksgiving Day.

My Mom and my Dad were so far away.

Instead of the usual Thanksgiving morning bustle

with all the girls in Mom's kitchen trying to hustle,

I spent it alone, just me and the flies

making my assigned potatoes and pies.

Dinner was good and it was pleasant to be there,

but I missed Mom's famous dressing and Dad's Thanksgiving prayer.

But then came this feeling that helped me to see

that this was the best Thanksgiving there could be.

The very word "Thanks" brought new meaning that day

as I thought of my parents, so far away.

Their earnest desire to do what is right -

to honor the Savior and serve with their might.

Maybe they were lonely on that Thanksgiving too,

but they spent it doing what they knew they should do.

Even though my folks were very far away,

They still could put sweet meaning into my Thanksgiving day.

Then came December with its sparkle and glow,

and again I was missing my parents so.

Instead of family parties and trimming their tree;

and helping Mom wrap presents for all the family,

our Christmas was different with few things to buy.

I felt something missing no matter how hard I tried.

The season was busy and we really had fun,

but I missed Dad's housetop star and Mom's love for everyone.

But then came this feeling that helped me to see

that it was the best Christmas there ever could be.

The value of the Christ Child brought new meaning that day

as I thought of my parents so far away.

Their witness of the Newborn Babe was spreading near and far

They honored the Son of God by following His Star.

Maybe they were lonely on that Christmas too,

but they spent it doing what they knew they should do

Even though my folks are very far away

They still could put the meaning into my Christmas day.