Thankful Thursdays: Thanksgiving Edition!

This is the eighth and final week in our Thankful Thursday installments:

I am thankful for: 

Today  - I am thankful for Thanksgiving.  The very concept of a day to reflect and give thanks for the blessings in our lives that is celebrated by our entire nation together is truly amazing.  I love the shared values and a little time to think about what is important.

Family - With that in mind, what is important to us, today and always, is family, faith and friends.  We had a wonderful time with the Richards/Rouse crew today with the big boisterous family Thanksgiving filled with the sounds of adults talking and children at play.  It was fun, delicious and filled with ongoing traditions like eating late and Aunt Wanda's beans and new things like a pirate treasure hunt with Granddaddy/Crazy Uncle Bill or kids coloring together while we waited for the meal.  

In the spirit of embracing the day, I lived it as best I can without thinking about what is missing and what is different this year.  I don't want to lose today and these moments with regret or too much sadness.  I remembered and held my family and dad close, but sought joy in this moment too.  At our celebration,  we immersed ourselves in food, family and laughter for today.  We talked about upcoming babies and our crazy kids.  We ate and drank just a bit too much because everything was so delicious.  I am so excited to have another Thanksgiving with my mom and Grandpa Dotter on Saturday.  For some reason, Thanksgiving is a very Dotter holiday.  This time it will be small, but I am really looking forward to it. 

In short, thanks to all the many branches of our family spread across the country.  We are so thankful that you have made us who we are and for all of you and the wonderous richness you bring to our lives. We are thankful for our friends here and everywhere.  You have become a second family and we so appreciate all you are and do.  Thank you finally to God for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and upon those we love. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all (in this last few minutes).  Hugs and happy thoughts to you on this special day!