Who Is Missing From Your Table?
I have often said that Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday. Why? Because it is all about coming together with family and friends. There is no religion to muck things up. Very little commercialism. And a whole lot of food.
And mostly, I LOVE the idea of really thinking about what we are most thankful for.
I am incredibly grateful for my husband, my son, my family, my friends, my health, my job, my blog, my home, my town – and, really, just the “aura” of my life. Sure I get down. Sure I get depressed. Sure today was hell on wheels since Declan woke up with a stick up his ass the size of Montana.
But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
And tomorrow, we will gather at our best friend’s house to remember what is sacred in our lives. And stuff our faces.
But, our families are back in Maryland and we will miss them. Sure, we’ll call about 10 times over the course of the day. And sure, if we were there, we’d be wishing we were back in our adopted home of Colorado because nowhere *really* feels like home like Colorado anymore.
But definitely, most definitely, our families are the ones who will be missing at our table as we sit down to eat tomorrow.
I have to admit that this post was inspired elsewhere. My friend MB, who I have known for 10 years, wrote an amazing post yesterday that brought me to tears. She reminded me that gratitude takes many shapes, and comes from all angles.
So. As you get ready for your Thanksgiving celebrations, who is missing from your table?
I am lucky and have noone missing.
Happy T-day a day early.
this is why I love your blog so much.
Lovely post. I love Thanksgiving too, for all the reasons you mentioned. We will be with some family, and missing others. Some don’t live here, and some are long gone, and I will feel their absence tomorrow.
Have a wonderful day with your family & friends.
All of our family. It’ll just be the three of us this year and we’re going to do the whole turkey and pie deal. Happy Thanksgiving to you, B and D!
Since I’ve moved to the US, I have come to love Thanksgiving. The only bummer is “my side of the family is always missing from the table” 🙁
There are many missing at my table though I carry them in my heart. My dad. My grandma. My (former) best friend.
But I am grateful for what I do have and the love that surrounds me.
“just the “aura” of my life”
I totally get this, very well put!!
Happy Thanksgiving, Aimee.
Six years ago my son was born on Thanksgiving day. Ever since that day it is a very special holiday for me. This year my step-mom, who was at my side six years ago, will be missing from our Thanksgiving table for the first time. I miss her dearly.
We’re having Thanksgiving just us, so everyone is missing. In my family though, most of the missing are permanent.
I’ll be at my parents house for thanksgiving for the first time in many years. The four of us, my sis and her hubby, my parents, brother and his family except his oldest son. Missing is an unlce who recently passed, and grandma Enes. But we realy have so much to be grateful for this year, especially when so many have lost so much.
Great post Aimee, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I loved MB’s post. Thanks for the link. Happy tday.
I take time to be thankful every day. It reminds me that there is gratitude in every part of life if I look for it. Happy Thanksgiving!
Family in Denmark are missing but we will honor them with a toast!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving Aimee and family!
My children, who were born (and live) in France, and who have never experienced Thanksgiving in the US. (Celebrating on a Saturday in France doesn’t count.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
I was just having a conversation the other day about why Thanksgiving is just the best holiday because it is not clouded by anything..
Wonderful post..
This year, I’ll be at my Mom’s for Thanksgiving, but a few people will be missing. My stepmom & little sister who live in New Jersey and who I wish I could be closer to every day. My sister’s wonderful boyfriend Joe, who is in MN with his family. And my new step-sister Jemma who is at school in New York.
My grandma is missing this year. So sad.
We used to hold hands and go around the table saying aloud what we are thankful for at Thanksgiving. We’ve stopped doing that, but I think it would be lovely to start again.
My mom. She is missing from my table. It hurts that I’ll never have her for Thanksgiving again.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as well. 🙂
Beautiful post Aimee! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!