Thanksgiving Grace

When we gather 'round the Thanksgiving table
holding hands and sharing lists
of the things that we are thankful for
and special people we are glad exist,
my eyes always for an extra moment rest
on my youngest daughter
with whom I'm blessed.

Born with three times the red blood cells
which turned her skin blue-black,
with no blood sugar to sustain them,
I looked at her and handed her back.
Fix her, I said, but they said she was fine
until later they told me,
she'd never be mine.

Five per cent chance
of living at all,
if she did, they said,
she'd be a 'complete vegetable!'
We won our lottery that day,
God answered a mother's tearful prayers
and my daughter is fine I'm happy to say!

She's bright and accomplished,
beautiful and in love
and I think back over the years
and thank God above.
One thing I've learned, don't spur life's bones--
on our pathway through life there are
no stumbling blocks--only stepping stones!