Thankful

Thanksgiving is a week away.

The kids have moved across the country. Both have gotten married and have begun their own traditions. Close family members and friends have either passed away or made plans of their own. What used to be my favorite holiday now feels like just another day.

This year there will be the traditional meal but no dinner guests to share it with us. As the holiday approaches, I have been feeling a bit down. Then I started thinking about the true meaning of Thanksgiving – at least the true meaning as I see it and I have come to the conclusion that really, it is all in how you look at it.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that we have and all that there is to be thankful for, and for me there is a lot.

I am thankful for my family and friends, even though I cannot be with everyone I would like to be with on Thanksgiving Day.

I am thankful that I am physically and financially able to travel and visit loved ones several times a year.

I am thankful to have a home, food, good health and people who love me.

I am thankful that I have found a purpose in life – helping homeless animals find the loving families they deserve.

And I am thankful for my own pets. They bring us great joy and I am thankful they chose us to be their family.
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 Especially, I am thankful that Mickey, who was diagnosed with cancer almost 16 months ago and given about a year to live is still enjoying a good quality of life and is with us to celebrate another Thanksgiving.

​Thanksgiving may look a little different this year and it may feel a little different this year but it is still Thanksgiving and I am still thankful.
 
From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, filled with food, family and many blessings.