Happy Thanksgiving!

Here we are again.  It is Thanksgiving Day, a harvest festival and traditionally a time for giving thanks for the harvest and other blessings.  I won’t go into the history of how this national holiday began as we’ve all heard or read the stories.  Instead, I’ll take this opportunity to reflect on this past year and the people and things for which I am truly thankful.

I am thankful for my beliefs and that I still have the ability to express them if I wish to.  In many parts of the world, this is not possible.  Unfortunately, I do see signs that our part of the world may be heading in that same direction (and I’m not talking about anything related to the election -Go Obama!), but for now, I am grateful for this freedom.

I am thankful for the beautiful people who have entered my life:  my husband, son, other family and friends, and those who are here for a season and then move on.   Every person we meet touches our life, be it in a simple or profound way.  Regardless, we would not be who we are without them.  I am fortunate to have had many incredible people in my life and I hope that I have and will touch others’ lives in a positive way.

Having just survived the entire election process, it would be timely to consider our ability to even hold such an election.  As grueling and vicious as the process can be, I am still truly thankful for the ability to voice my opinions and try to make our country, and the future, a better place by casting my vote. 

I promise not to sing “that” tune, but I am extremely thankful for memories.  After losing my father last year, and my mother and long-time feline companion this year, I find myself remembering many moments I have not thought of in ages.  One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories is waking up in the morning to join my father in watching the Thanksgiving Day parade.  Mom would sleep in a bit and join us halfway in.  Growing up, most of the one-on-one interaction I had with my Dad involved dealing with my mediocrity in the sports he was interested in.  Every year I’d join softball and basketball and he’d try to show me how to improve but to no avail.  We’d play catch in the backyard and the entire time, I’d be longing to do something else.  Our Thanksgiving tradition of watching the parade was a stress-free enjoyable time together.  We’d watch other parades throughout the year, but Thanksgiving was special in that it kicked off the season.  I’d look forward to the end when Santa and his reindeer would make their appearance, and Dad would always do his part in confirming that Santa was indeed real.  I have many other wonderful memories but this particular one has grabbed me today.

I am thankful for my love of reading and writing.  What wonderful gifts!  What could be better than immersing yourself in another world filled with captivating characters and their fascinating stories?  Reading and writing inspire each other.  I can’t imagine a life without either. 

I am thankful for computers and the Internet.  In addition to their ability to make life easier (or more difficult, depending on what part of the system has crashed that day), they have also brought me my husband and some fantastic friends.  For all the horrible stories you hear about online predators, I know there are at least as many positive stories but you just don’t hear about them.  Do you have a positive computer/Internet story you’d like to share?

I could fill pages with more items I am thankful for but I’d like to hear from you.  What are you especially thankful for this year?  Please also share any Thanksgiving traditions you treasure.

May you and yours have a warm and blessed Thanksgiving filled with moments to be remembered always!

Tags: memories, Thanksgiving