A Grateful Heart: Preparing for Thanksgiving, Reminiscing, and Embracing the Holiday Spirit

Happy Holidays, friends! It's that heartwarming time of year, when the aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, and family and friends come together to celebrate the season of gratitude. But for me, it carries a bittersweet memory – the loss of my father 12 years ago on Thanksgiving day. It's a day of many, mixed emotions, but one thing I've learned is that gratitude can coexist with sorrow.

As I prepare for Thanksgiving, I always take time to remember my father with a heart full of gratitude. Though he's no longer with us, his legacy of love, and laughter lives on in every tradition, every smile, and every shared meal. For me, Thanksgiving isn't just about setting the table; it's about preparing your heart. It's about accepting that some moments may be tinged with sadness, but that doesn't diminish the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

It is a time for embracing the holiday spirit with open arms. I cherish the laughter of my family, the grace they give me to process my feelings, the stories we share, and the warmth of togetherness. It's like a comforting hug from the universe, reminding me of the beauty of life. For that I am forever grateful.

Then we feast! I have 4 adult sons and the dinner is absolutely their favorite part. Thanksgiving is a symphony of flavors and aromas. It's about cooking with love, sharing the kitchen with my mom and daughter, savoring the richness of sweet potato pie, the warmth of my homemade cornbread stuffing smothered in gravy, and the succulence of the turkey. This year, I am frying the turkey. My husband has lost all rights and privileges of this important task. With soggy turkeys two years in a row, he has been officially demoted to peeling potatoes. And, the leftovers... oh, the magnificent leftovers that keep on giving!

For me, Thanksgiving is a reminder to cherish the laughter of my loved ones, to hold them close, and to create new memories. It's about turning our sorrow into a celebration of life, as my father would have wanted. Amidst the food, the laughter, and the stories, gratitude is the common thread that weaves our Thanksgiving together. It's about acknowledging the blessings we have and the love that surrounds us.

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it's a tapestry of memories, emotions, and love. It's about gratitude, even in the face of sorrow. It's about honoring our loved ones who've passed by cherishing the moments with those who remain. As I prepare my heart for this Thanksgiving, I'm reminded that life is a mosaic of joy and sorrow. And I choose to fill it with love, laughter, and gratitude.

May your Thanksgiving be a tapestry of beautiful moments, gratitude, and the warmth of shared love.

Follow me on Instagram