Very thankful

It’s Thanksgiving day and Joe and I arrived safely back home among snow flurries and unexpectedly icy roads, after enjoying a delicious dinner made by my sister-in-law, Amy, in Indianapolis.

We had all the familiar foods that warm our tummies and remind us of gatherings past: home-made dressing, melt-in-your mouth turkey, sweet corn casserole, green bean casserole, two sweet potato casseroles, cranberry sauce, other delicious carbs and of course yummy pumpkin, peanut butter and apple caramel pies.

My nephews were present with their sweet wives and children. My two great nephews seem so grown up (the oldest is three and a half) and a great niece is expected mid-December. And, I was reminded that my other great niece, beautiful and poised Abby, is in third grade. Where does the time go? My sister-in-law’s best friend was there with her son, Darin, and his friend, Dave. The house couldn’t have been fuller (well, it actually could have been because everyone is welcome).

I’m so thankful for our present family, although both my mom and dad have passed. My birthday is around Thanksgiving and I usually hear from treasured friends, reminding me of how blessed I am to have friends near and far, although always in my heart.

This year Amy and I reminisced about several new first cousins that we met in June when Gary, Amy and I made a road trip to Allentown, PA. Thanks to Facebook, we discovered these long-lost family members. We began to instant message and one thing led to another, and to our East Coast visit.

Amy and I talked about how fun it would be to have these relatives come for Thanksgiving, and grow the good food/family/friends tradition even bigger. Although we’ve only just met these “Hites and Beckers” as new branches on the ever-growing family tree, we felt immediately at home with them and were sad to leave this summer. DNA really is stronger than distance, time and circumstance. Our hearts and family circle grew bigger and it was wonderful breaking bread with people with whom we shared a common bond and heritage.

I’m thankful this Thanksgiving for my family and friends, the many blessings that God continues to bestow upon us and the many opportunities for us to learn and grow. Friendships and family relationships are rooted in love which becomes richer and better over time. We’re not perfect but we are perfected in our love for each other – a love that originates from and is shared with our Heavenly Father.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones this holiday season!