I was so grateful that my son and daughter in law offered to host Thanksgiving dinner this year. Yesterday my grandson came over and we made some desserts. All of them were brand new recipes. My grandson made brownies embellished with Andes candy. He had an idea and wanted to try it out. We made magic bars which was a staple at my daughter in law’s family Thanksgiving gatherings. And I made pumpkin pie from scratch. My sister usually makes them, but her husband wasn’t quite up to coming yet. I used her recipe and pumpkins from her garden. My dad’s place was offering a meal to the residents and we could go, but not eat with them due to COVID rules. We thought long and hard about how to best celebrate with him. This morning, I packed up some pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and magic bars and my mom and I headed up to see my dad. We got into his apartment and zoomed with the rest of the family while eating pumpkin pie. My dad was tired out after that and ready for a nap. So was my mom. In the afternoon, my mom and I went to my son’s house for the delicious huge meal. There was my son, his wife, their 3 kids, my other son, one of his roommates and girlfriend as neither of them traveled home this year, one sister, my mom, and I. Last year, everything was different because of COVID. This year, everything is different because of circumstances. But, different is OK. I’m grateful that I didn’t have to try to coordinate a meal at the house while doing something with my dad. I’m grateful that my children and grandchildren are so close and I can see them so often and hear their funny stories. I’m grateful for the abundance of food – not just today, but every day as we are never wanting. I’m grateful for siblings and family who remain close – if not in person, in relationship – even through our own individual struggles. I’m grateful for the people who are taking good care of my dad. Yesterday, one of them called to see if we could video chat as my dad was missing my mother. They always tell us how and what he’s doing. So, yes, it was a very different Thanksgiving. But I am reminded that I have so much to be thankful for.

I Found God today remembering all I have to be grateful for.