![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.briwebapp.net\/2020\/10\/ef0f1202-thankful-e1602186451917.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMaybe you feel like you have to fight to find something to be thankful for this year.<\/p>\n
It’s certainly been challenging.\u00a0 But don’t stop fighting and reminding yourself of all that remains good.\u00a0 Even through the dark days.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This time of year is a reminder to be thankful.\u00a0 I think it becomes more important to me every single year.\u00a0 The older I get, the more I appreciate what I have, and the more I appreciate still being here to celebrate another year.<\/p>\n
Thanksgiving was always a big celebration in our house growing up.<\/p>\n
It always was about family.\u00a0 It always meant we had to clean up the house “for company.”\u00a0 Now that I’m older, and a parent myself, I think it was really about finally getting us kids to do something.\u00a0 (smile).<\/p>\n
I think of my mom this time of year – for a few reasons.<\/p>\n
First – she made every holiday so special.\u00a0 Always a table full of family.\u00a0 Always delicious food.\u00a0 And us kids usually had a hand in making it.\u00a0 At Christmas we made cookies.\u00a0 Thanksgiving we sat around the table and broke the bread into pieces for the stuffing.<\/p>\n
I remember it so clearly.<\/p>\n
I remember sitting at the table with the loaf of bread, breaking into small pieces for the stuffing I didn’t even like to eat, as mom worked her way around the kitchen doing other things.\u00a0 It’s a big deal preparing the holiday feast.<\/p>\n
Four kids in my family.\u00a0 We talked, we laughed, we giggled, we fought,\u00a0 we complained, even though we secretly loved doing it.<\/p>\n
Every year since, when I break the bread into crumbs for stuffing I remember those days, and smile.<\/p>\n
It’s been thirty years since my mom, brother and sister passed away.\u00a0 I miss those days, but I have learned to make my mom’s famous stuffing recipe.<\/p>\n
“Sage is key!”<\/p>\n
Oh how I miss her this time of year.\u00a0\u00a0What I would give to have another Thanksgiving meal with her.\u00a0 Losing those you love sure makes you appreciate those you have left.\u00a0 You want to keep them close.<\/p>\n
I know that a lot of families are upset and angry and sad that they can’t be together with their friends and family this year.\u00a0 Thanksgiving is just one more thing taken away. And it sure isn’t the same chatting over a Zoom call, but I would rather miss one thanksgiving dinner with my dad, than a lifetime missing him.\u00a0 He just got home after having surgery on Friday and because of covid rules – we can’t see him.\u00a0 For at least two weeks while nurses come to take care of him and help him heal and recover.\u00a0 But I can be thankful he’s home.<\/p>\n
I know, it’s a struggle this year.\u00a0 We’ve lost a lot.\u00a0 We’ve dealt with a lot of changes.\u00a0 And there’s no sign of it ending anytime soon.\u00a0![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.briwebapp.net\/2020\/10\/377e2289-stuffing-e1602186544839.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
But I have my turkey, and my bread crumbs are ready to go for “mom’s famous stuffing”.\u00a0 I’ll make a pumpkin pie, wearing my mom’s apron and I will do my best to make this weekend special for my family.<\/p>\n
And another reason to be thankful and remember my mom – it’s my birthday on Saturday!\u00a0 My birthday almost every year falls on Thanksgiving weekend.\u00a0 As long as I can remember it’s been shared with a turkey and pumpkin pie.\u00a0 Which just makes it extra special I guess.<\/p>\n
Every Thanksgiving is a reminder of what I am thankful for in my life, and a reminder of my mom – who brought me into this world and made me who I am today.\u00a0 \u00a0Who taught me how to make a meal special.\u00a0 How important family is.\u00a0 The importance of loving life.\u00a0 \u00a0Laughing, and dancing and making fun of yourself.\u00a0 Standing up for yourself.\u00a0 Believing in yourself.\u00a0 My birthday to me is better than January 1st.\u00a0 It’s about reflecting on life.\u00a0 What I’ve been through.\u00a0 What I’ve overcome.\u00a0 What I’ve done – even if done afraid.\u00a0 It’s a celebration of so much and I enjoy it all.\u00a0 I LOVE celebrating my birthday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I am so thankful for so many things this Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
My dad.\u00a0 My family.\u00a0 Food on the table.\u00a0 A workplace that is allowing me to work from home, keeping us all safe.\u00a0 Friends that support and love and care.<\/p>\n
Schitt’s Creek Season Six now available on Netflix (smile).<\/p>\n
Campfires and falling leaves.<\/p>\n
Crisp air.<\/p>\n
Good hair days.\u00a0 (smile)<\/p>\n
Pumpkin pie.<\/p>\n
Whipped cream to cover the pumpkin pie. (smile)<\/p>\n
There is always something to be thankful for.\u00a0 \u00a0Don’t let the negative around you make you forget that.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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