Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the unloaded simplicity of this day, family and friends gathering together to share a meal and gratitude for the blessings in our lives -- abundance, not of things, but of family, friends, good food, and time together.
Today I am grateful for so much, especially my family, including my ex-husband Gene and his wife Kathryn who are hosting the big feast, but also for the friends who are another form of family to me. I'm grateful for five healthy, beautiful, and now grown kids. I am grateful for my two grandsons, for whom the sun rises and also sets (!). I am grateful that Russ is here with me today, as he has been for the past fourteen Thanksgivings, along with his little dog Jette. I am grateful for Skidmore College, the place where I have been employed since "the beginning of time" and also where my daughter Katie and I received degrees, and where my other children have taken classes from time to time. It is also a place where deep friendships have blossomed, a true blessing in my life.
I am grateful for memories of life lived, even the sad memories, because everything we experience is a lesson allowing us to appreciate all the good that comes our way, and the people who were there for us during the trials and tribulations, and also there to share our celebrations. It may seem funny to say this, but I am grateful for facebook, because it has renewed friendships that had slipped from my grasp and brought old friends back into my life. The power of social media...
I usually write about food, but Thanksgiving is about so much more than that. So no food notes in this posting, just gratitude.
I wish all of you a truly Happy Thanksgiving. May we appreciate all that surrounds us, and give thanks for every person who has touched our lives.
Now go eat!
Everything you said in this post is so true! What a blessing to be surrounded by family and friends...what a blessing to re-live past memories with each other...what a blessing to be able to go around our big table and everyone from the youngest child to the oldest adult tell what we are "thankful" for! Some of us shed some tears as we talked...some of us were a little shy at first...but the joy on everyone's face was the same! I hope I never take that lightly or for granted!
ReplyDeleteThank you for wishing me a personal "Happy Thanksgiving" message and starting my day off with a simple comment on Facebook that meant so much to me! I really wasn't very "thankful" when I got up...that one simple message changed my day and I truly appreciate it!
I hope you've had a very special day today!
love, carolyn
Carolyn, thank you. We did have a lovely Thanksgiving Day, and I am so glad to read your message. It sounds as though your Thanksgiving was a wonderful day as well. What a great way to kick off the most beautiful season of the year. Looking forward to reading your blog - one day I'd love to visit your store! All the best,
ReplyDeleteJeannie