We all knew Thanksgiving would be different this year and honestly I was a little emotional going into it. My son and his wife hosted the meal as it would be easier on them both. I made the pumpkin pie and apple crisp, my sister put together the charcuterie board, and my brother provided the wine. When we arrived at the house, the turkey was in the oven and everyone was up and about. The house was decorated for Christmas as my son wanted to make sure that was done before his surgery. We enjoyed our snacks and visited for a while. Then my son had to go lay down and rest his back. My granddaughter was ready to set the table, so we got out the tablecloths and dishes. She decided on the seating arrangements and used the napkins as place cards. As we were working on that, my daughter in law started getting the rest of the side dishes together. She did great for a while, then her ankle started hurting. My brother and sister sat her down so she could put her foot up while they took directions. When the turkey was just about ready, my other son and his fiancee arrived with more food. None of us were particularly confident when it came to making the gravy and my son said that his fiancee made a delicious batch. So, she made the gravy. Meanwhile, my son cut the turkey while teaching my grandson how it was done. My other grandson shuttled food to the table. Someone got my son who was resting and we all sat down at our assigned seats for a delicious meal. As we ate, we went around the table and talked about what we were grateful for as directed by my granddaughter. It was a different kind of Thanksgiving without my parents, and the atmosphere was different with both my son and his wife recovering from surgery. To me if felt like no one was really responsible for the success of the whole day. Instead, everyone was. Each person had a hand in preparing the day and the meal. People just pitched in where there was a need. It was a little hectic, but in a good, joyful way. I felt very blessed for all the loving relationships and for the cooperation, laughter, and gratitude that was shared.

I Found God today in an active, loving thanksgiving day.