I Thought of Everything, Except . . .

I write you on this Thanksgiving Eve, 2023. I’m uncharacteristically relaxed today because rather than prepping the bird and cooking nine sides and six desserts, I’m serving Jambalaya this year; Shauna, my sweet, is bringing the sweets.

Rather than up jumping up before the crack of dawn to begin my personal Turkey Trot around the kitchen, Steve and I enjoyed our first morning cup of coffee in bed (with Annie, of course). Later, the three of us strolled our neighborhood but along the way I told Steve, “I feel like I’m forgetting somethings. This is too easy.”

Then I remembered.

I remembered that today, like every day, I am blessed to love and be loved. Beyond my faith, there is nothing more precious than those who will sit around our table today and hold hands as Steve says grace.

I remembered that today, like every day, I am blessed with friends. Women and men of great and generous character. Friends who look out for me, encourage me and inspire me to be a better human.

I remembered that today, like every day, I am blessed with a safe and beautiful place to live in a country that is free. I am painfully reminded of the heartbreak and destruction around the world.

I remembered, that today, like every day, I take these and other blessings for granted knowing that it is those things I take for granted that I will one day miss the most.

Have you thought of everything? If not, take a sec to make a list. It’s far more rewarding than basting a bird.

Happy Thanksgiving.