Happy Thanksgiving!

Part of me wants to write a long and poignant (and probably trite) entry today, Thanksgiving Day.  But, the other part of me is saying keep it short and sweet.  That is the same part who has enjoyed every moment of today so far, from the French Toast breakfast to watching the parade to the fact that we spent most of the day in PJ's so far (in fact, the kids are napping in theirs right now).  I am going to do my best.

When I was a kid, I didn't quite "get" this holiday.  It just seemed a bit odd.  I mean, I got the concept of the pilgrims and the traditional idea behind the feast, but mostly, it seemed to me to be a day centered around eating a lot of food.  And back then, I didn't like pumpkin pie, and I was so-so on turkey, and though I couldn't get enough of my mom's mashed potatoes, she did make them other days of the year, too.  So, the food thing was kind of lost on me.  But what wasn't lost on me was how awesome it was to go to Grandma's house and be around a ton of family.  To laugh, to play, to enjoy. 

And I am pretty sure that is all it has to be about for a kid.

I asked Cortlan this morning what he was thankful for.  His toy cars, he said.  And then, after a pause, he added, "And Mommy, and Daddy, and Everly, too."  Not bad, for a pushing-four-year-old.

As for me, every year, I have gained a greater appreciation for this special holiday.  Even though it marks the beginning of the madness of the Christmas shopping season, Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays not yet marred by commercialism (too much).  It is a day solely reserved for loving and being thankful and enjoying the company of others.  And reflecting.

I could write for hours about all of the things that I am thankful for.  But I am going to try to condense it:  I am thankful for every person who has come into my life, for they have made me who I am.  I am thankful for every challenge, every failure, and every triumph and success.  I am thankful for the blessings in health, material goods, spirit, and security that I have.  I am thankful that my kids are blessed with those things, too.  I am thankful for laughter and tears, and perspective.

I am thankful for all of the moments.

This year, more than ever before, I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving.