Family Values

Last week was Thanksgiving.  The holiday centered on a golden turkey with neverending side dishes, football, and eating until you're ready to pass out. 

And one other thing.

Family.

Thanksgiving is the kick-off to the holiday season.  A prelude to the magic that is Christmas and a step up in seriousness from Halloween.  Thanksgiving does not receive the same heavy commercialization as Christmas, in fact I believe advertising gurus nationwide have pretty much stricken Thanksgiving from their calendars altogether and just decided to move straight into Christmas promotions.  But Thanksgiving provides a day, a time, a moment, for us to come together with those we love and do what we should always do.

Give thanks.  Give love.  Feel blessed.  Make others feel blessed.

As I sat around the crowded dinner table passing dishes of mashed potatoes, cranberry salad, turkey, and asparagus salad, I took a moment to soak in the moment, the faces, the conversation, the smiles, the laughs.  I sat and said my own silent thanks.  

For family.  For tradition.  For being able to have such a special place to call home.  

While the holiday was not without the normal stresses, it was still a thing of imperfect perfection.  While we all were still mourning the loss of Grandpa, we found a kind of solace in sitting together, sharing stories and memories. 

There's something endearing about returning home to family.  To a home where members of the same family have gathered for generations.  

Family is one of those things that you come to appreciate more and more over time, for most of us a thing that grows better and better over time. 

Here's hoping you all found something wonderful to give thanks for on Thanksgiving.