Thankful Thursday 14 June 2018

Eid Mubarak! Although I am sending my Muslim friends cards late this year (tomorrow), it’s the thought that counts. I hope everyone has a blessed Eid and even for non-Muslims, I hope that the rest of the year brings you peace and prosperity.

Today is my cousin’s 25th birthday. A few months ago, I requested to induct her into the Sousalarm Club on WRTI, the local classical/jazz music radio station. I requested for either today, Maddie’s birthday, or 30 December, for her first wedding anniversary to her husband. I was late in requesting, so I wasn’t sure. I was surprised when Gregg, my favourite DJ, e-mailed me right away saying he had an opening for June 14 (today). Yesterday, he e-mailed me asking me how I pronounce my last name and how I pronounce Maddie’s last name. I told him and he is so cute when he charms. I have a secret crush on him.

I sent Maddie a card to tell her to listen in – she might have to download the app since she lives in South Carolina now (her hubby is in the Navy) and I sent her a text yesterday to tell her, in case she didn’t get the card. Well, let me tell you, this morning was awesome! Gregg played Stars and Stripes Forever (it’s also Flag Day in the States today) and afterward, he inducted Maddie into the Sousalarm Club with the write-up I wrote.

After it was said and done, Maddie texted me: “Thank you so much Jess! That was great! I never imagined I’d someday be part of the Sousalarm Club!” Who would have thought that such a small gesture (free of charge) would bring so much joy to someone! Maddie used to be in the marching band, she plays instruments, though she is a P.A. (physician assistant) now. Her husband was in the marching band as well, and he used to lead the Naval Academy’s band. They’re both musically inclined and I figured she would like it. I’m thankful she did and I am so happy that being inducted into the Sousalarm Club made her day.

It is also an apology in some way as well. I’ve taken on the more spiritual, I realized that I can’t be part of organized religion because to me it’s too inclusive. I became a Muslim, though I am more interested in Sufism, the more spiritual form of it that Sunnis and Shias don’t recognize – actually, they find Sufis to be heretical. Sufis can be the spiritual portion of any faith. Well, when I was still on Facebook, I was scared that my Muslim friends would call me out for participating with my Catholic and Atheist family members for their events. I didn’t want to go to Maddie’s bridal shower and wedding out of fear.

I did go, most of my true Muslim friends did say that family is more important than religion and they celebrate all of their friends of different faiths by participating, it’s not a sin… I was still worried. Let me tell you, I had a blast. Her shower was secular and her husband is another Christian denomination so her wedding wasn’t Catholic. It was a spiritual wedding that focused on community and bringing others to your table to include them. It was beautiful and being more spiritually inclined, I agreed. When Maddie and her hubby sent me a thank you card, they basically said any time I wanted to visit them in South Carolina, I was welcomed at their table. It was beautiful.

Anyway, I am grateful for the beauty of today. What are you thankful for today?