As Thanksgiving Approaches
written by: Gabriella Balcom
Thanksgiving comes every year,
And no better season exists to think
Of all the things I hold most dear.
I’ve been blessed so many times
Throughout my life that I’ve lost
Count, but here are some rhymes
About many events that stand out.
Numerous times I could’ve died
But I was saved beyond all doubt.
Abuse harmed but didn’t kill me.
That was Heavenly Father’s doing.
He never once failed me, you see.
My first friend was the ultimate best,
A kitty who became everything to me,
In loyalty and love passing every test.
I did well in school, my achievements
And good grades boosting self-esteem,
Healing some of mistreatment’s rents.
College allowed me a safe distance
From my abusers, breathing in peace,
And much reverie about my existence.
Marriage followed and my son’s birth
Filled me with immeasurable hope and
Happiness, believing more in my worth,
And I experienced love, awe, and joy.
Moving to my own land brought such
Peace, then the birth of my second boy,
My third, my sweet daughter, and more.
My home nestled amongst the trees,
With nature around me, which I adore.
Many years have passed and I can see
Things even more clearly. Despite some
Health troubles, I’m very blessed to be
Healthy overall. I have my sight, hearing,
Use of my limbs, and the ability to move
Around freely. And there’s no more fearing
Danger from so-called “family” abusing me.
Work has gone well, better than I thought,
And much success I can look back and see.
I’ve done lots of jobs both crappy and great,
With my latest being quite rewarding for me,
And I believe this has always been my fate.
Helping people, saving lives, and encouraging
Them to be safe and believe in themselves are
Some of the day-to-day things I’ve been doing.
It isn’t a bed of roses by any means, but it’s a
Calling all the same. And everything I’ve been
Through in my life has led me to this very day.
I’ve poured my heart and soul into writing, too,
Encountering supportive publishers and editors,
And caring fellow authors who create like I do.
A number of acceptances have come my way,
More than I anticipated when I first submitted,
And I sure hope the trend continues day to day.
Now, as Thanksgiving approaches once again,
My heart is full to overflowing. I’m with family
I love dearly, and they’re great women and men.
Our home isn’t a mansion by any definition of
The word but it’s a roof over our heads and we’re
Warm. Even more, it’s filled with peace and love.
This isn’t the life I envisioned when I was young.
It’s better. The blessings I’ve received have brought
Hope and happiness, and my heart’s continually sung.
The end.
- Where Could She Be? - December 22, 2025
- As Thanksgiving Approaches - November 27, 2025
- A Halloween to Remember - October 31, 2025
