THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

I'm listening to Dean Martin on Spotify right now. I can't help thinking, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for and there is so much to love about Thanksgiving. So I would just like to share what I'm thankful for.

God has blessed me with more than I could ask for: I am thankful for a strong, loving, healthy family. We all have our differences, but we would fight to the ends of the world for each other. My friends who know all my secrets and share my memories, the people I can truly be myself around. Without them, my life would be boring and completely different. My Nana and her strength to keep fighting these past months. The other two elderly ladies in my life. My wonderful neighbors who have become a part of my family. My education and all of the opportunities that come along with it. All of the experiences I've had and the lessons I've learned this past year. My dog, Sadie, and cat, Cookie. My car, jobs, and other things I take for granted every day. The relationships I have made and strengthened. Hot chocolate, Tilted Guilts, blankets, books, movies, and all the little things that make me happy. I could go on, but you're probably over it, so I'll stop now...

Or not. When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of two things: turkey and family. I have a very large, crazy, loving family. Every year we would gather at one family's house for dinner. It is the memories I have made over the years at these Thanksgiving dinners that make this day so special. Eating off of cafeteria-style trays with my cousins at the kids table at my Nana's house. As our family grew, we rotated who's house to go to. Those memories are even more clear. Sitting around the table playing Uno with my cousins and Nana. Eating my favorite cookies, Buckeyes. Choosing our grab bag for Christmas. Then last year, Thanksgiving was at my house. My mom cooked for the afternoon for my grandmas and great aunt. Then later, the whole family came over for munchies and dessert. Our wonderful neighbor, Lori (she's like my second mom) was there. People were coming in and out of my house, sharing stories and love for one another.

It's the time spent together on this day that completes everything. It doesn't matter what food you eat, where you eat it, in fact it's not even about the food. It's about spending time with the people you love and giving thanks to them.

Okay, I'll stop being all mushy-gushy now. But just take this day to reflect on what you're thankful for, and try to do this every day, not just once a year.

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless.

xoxo