Gifts of Gratitude by Jennifer Burchill
People matter; don’t wait.
Often, we don’t convey or even realize what someone meant to us or the effect they had on our lives until they’re no longer here. Then, in addition to the grief we experience in saying goodbye we are stung by regret—for not being able to thank them for what they taught us, how they loved us. We miss out on telling others how they mattered to us, enhancing their story, enhancing our own and contributing both to their legacy and ours.
How much more gratifying would it be to share with those who we love how thankful we are for the role they have played in our lives while they are here to hear these sentiments–to share these gifts of gratitude?
I have always been a writer, from grade school days of climbing our front yard tree balancing my diary and favorite pen, to writing for school newspapers and later, professionally, technical writing. The moniker of “author,” however, is a new one that I’m still learning to embrace.
The premise for Gifts of Gratitude had been percolating within me for years – after struggling with not being able to thank and say goodbye to some in my life who had a tremendous influence on me, including my grandmothers and a favorite college professor. When my dad was diagnosed with a terminal neurodegenerative disease, I did not want to leave any word unspoken, any sentiment unshared, any gratitude unexpressed. I suddenly felt an intense urgency and knew it was time.
Gifts of Gratitude is both a personal narrative and a practical guide. Each chapter tells a few stories, mostly reflections from my childhood, intended to stir up and elicit readers’ own memories and then concludes with some prompts designed to spark, encourage, and initiate meaningful conversations.
It’s an invitation to reflect and allow these moments of appreciation and connection to provide you with a sense of peace and of closure. I want everyone to experience the completeness of having shared, so there is no question of just how deeply they matter to us and so you don’t have to say, “I wish they’d known.” It is a reminder that it’s never too late to say "thank you" and create meaningful connections that leave a lasting legacy of love and appreciation.
Initially, I wrote the book with GenXers in mind, as many of us have entered a stage in our lives when we are now caretaking parents while also caring for our kids. More specifically, I thought of those who have a loved one with a terminal illness who feel the weight of urgency and may be struggling to say what they need to say so they feel resolved. What I am finding though from those who have read my book that it really is for anyone wanting to strengthen connections with others through expressing gratitude – whether that be students leaving college expressing gratitude to their professors as they embark on their futures, colleagues leaving jobs and wishing to thank their workplace mentors, or sharing with family and friends who have shaped their lives.
I am so blessed to have been able to share my book with both of my parents, to see it in their hands, something for which I will always be grateful.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer is a writer, family historian, and memory keeper passionate about preserving the stories that shape our lives. She combines her academic background in Journalism and Written Communication with storytelling rooted in curiosity around people and legacy.
Inspired by the rich memories of her childhood, Jenn is driven to document meaningful moments for future generations—including her children, niece, and nephews. She balances her career as a technical program manager with her mission to help others reflect on and share their own gifts of gratitude. She understands that every quirk, tradition, and shared moment contributes to the unique tapestry of a family's history and believes that every life story deserves to be told and remembered. Jennifer’s message is clear: let's make sure those who have impacted our lives know how much they mean, right here and right now.
When not writing, Jenn finds joy in hanging out with friends and family, travelling, reading, yoga, 80s nostalgia, and dog cuddles.
