Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like

wrapping a present and not giving it.

~William Arthur Ward

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Today is the official day to be thankful--though we should all be thankful everyday. We all have so much in our life that is good, even when it does not seem like it at a certain time. I cannot begin to list all the people and things I am grateful for, to sum it up, my family, my friends, the Sisters, & everyone who has crossed my path for a short while or a lifetime that has forever made a difference. I am very grateful for the day I had today--surrounded by loved ones with laughter and retelling of fun memories of past loved ones who have gone before. I am also grateful for the gorgeous weather today--we were able to enjoy the fresh air.

The day was filled with wonderful people, lots of laughs, and of course amazing food--my family does not lack for chefs. After most had gone my grandma and I played Yahtzee with Kevan (it's a family favorite) and had a ball--belly laughs were had. Then we all snuggled up and watched a movie. Now, the little ones are in bed and my Aunt and I are about to do some work. She has a paper that needs submitted for publication (she's an Immunologist at Wash U in STL) and I have an Ethics paper to start. We will start our ritual in a few minutes---both sitting on the couch with our computers on our laps, typing away, and chit chatting while we do it all. Something else I am grateful for. I hope you all had a wonderful day & were able to spend it with people you love--for that is the greatest gift.

I have learned never to forget to say 'thank you' or 'I love you' to anyone. In my family 'I love you' is a very common phrase. One of my friends used to joke with me saying my family hardly walks from one room to the next without hugging everyone and saying 'I love you.' (smile) We are not quite THAT bad. My grandmother, however, came from a family where love was always shown, hugs were always given, and you never ever left without an 'I love you' to follow---and she raised all of us the same. When I was younger, I do not think I appreciated it--now I realize it's true gift & am happy I have a family who lives in such a way--we'll never wonder what the others thought and we realize (as it has happened before) you never know when it'll be the last.

SO---THANK YOU ALL & I LOVE YOU!

GOBBLE GOBBLE!