Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. ~Estonian Proverb

This is the first year since I’ve been married that I’m not in panic mode on Thanksgiving Eve.  No, it’s not because I’m perfectly organized with all the holiday prep, ready to leap from the starting gate tomorrow morning for a day of cooking.  We’re invited to join extended family for dinner and my house is hauntingly quiet.  A huge turkey won’t be stuffed with apples and fresh herbs before roasting for hours tomorrow, pies aren’t bubbling away in the oven, the wonderful smell of sage isn’t lingering in the air and the dining room table isn’t dressed in its usual festive tablescape. 

I’m not complaining, not at all.  Actually, I am grateful, in many little ways.  Taking a step back from all the turkey day work is giving me the opportunity to sit and think about things.  Not having to focus on making everything perfect is giving me a much needed pause, time to remember what Thanksgiving is about and…what I’m truly thankful for this year.

Months ago, we lost a cousin, a beloved member of our family but her spirit often presents itself in many different ways.   Fond memories of her frequently bring smiles and laughter when we recall happy times in years past.  We are all thankful she was such a part of our lives. 

Four of them; one stunningly beautiful girl and three incredibly handsome boys.  From the moment they were born, I gave thanks for the privilege of being their grandmother.  I rejoice in their achievements, obsess over little difficulties and make every exhaustive effort to spoil them rotten because…I can!  (I would be remiss if I wasn’t thankful to my daughters and their spouses for making my grandchildren possible.  Also, much appreciation to my patient husband for his part in the creation of the above two daughters…and a son.   I’ll stop here as this sounds like a drawn-out award acceptance speech.  Just sayin’)

Last, but not least…Reconnecting!   That word, in itself, just sings out with thanks!  This year, I had the pleasure of finding family in California and a cousin I didn’t know existed who lives in Washington.  We’ve been busy sharing old photographs, family history and learning so much about each other.   Then, when I didn’t think it could get any better, a 50th high school reunion graced me with the renewal of many friendships and the start of brand new ones.  What’s that, you say…everything old becomes new again?  Definitely.  Nothing compares with the chance for new beginnings!

Next year at this time I’ll hopefully be in the throes of pre-Thanksgiving madness once again and if some writing prompt surfaces along these same lines, I probably won’t have the time to sit and share my thoughts.  For now, it was nice to give little thanks for so very much.