"I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."

~Colonel Potter, M*A*S*H

On Thursday it will be the official day where we all stop and give thanks for what we have; for what our ancestors brought us, for the lives that we live, for the people in our lives, and for a God who is good. I know, I am quite thankful that tomorrow afternoon I drive to Des Moines to spend the holiday with my family. It has only been 6 weeks since I've been home, but it seems like it has been forever. My grandmother's house will be filled with relatives on Thursday--it'll be perfect. I have a small immediate family, but my extended family is quite large and I have been raised to enjoy the chaos of a full house, the joy of cramming one more spot at an already full table, and the laughter and noise that echos throughout the day. I have been wonderfully blessed with a very close extended family. My grandfather has 8 brothers and sisters and I know them all quite well, we keep in touch often, and they are a HUGE part of my life. I am even lucky enough to spend weekends with them at their houses and twice a year we have our family reunion where most everyone gathers together. I believe there is over 100 of us now--we are quite a fun McClaflin clan. The family reunions are my favorite part of the year and I feel like a kid anxiously awaiting Christmas when the reunion time approaches. My grandmother is the Italian one and though many have passed away on her side, her family is still big. We, too, are blessed with knowing most everything about each other and enjoy each other's company and lives---it's a blessing. With all my aunts and uncles, great-aunts & uncles, and cousins and second and third and fourth cousins, and on and on... I never ever had to question whether or not I was loved. Sometimes I feel guilty--here I have a massive amount of relatives that I am so close to and some people do not have any--all the more reason for me to take the time to stop and offer my thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but EVERYDAY for I am truly blessed with the gift of a large family--and a close family at that. I received an e-mail from my great-Aunt Ramona the other day. It was a forward about an elderly mother telling her daughter good-bye at the airport, knowing that this is the last time her daughter would probably visit her alive. Her last words to her daughter were, "I wish you enough." She goes on to explain that it was tradition in her family to to say "I wish you enough" to your loved ones when you parted. This was what it meant:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye

This forward really made me stop and think--it was a beautiful story. So, Thursday when I am gathered around the table with a family I love so much, I will say a prayer of thanks for all of my friends and family who are so near and dear to me and think to myself "I wish you all enough." May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I wish you all enough! Lots of Love & Hugs!

PIcture: This from the summer '06 McClaflin Clan renunion--this is only part of the family---this year many were unable to make it---but those of us that were there had a great time! :)