November!!

The official month of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States has begun! I still am glad I can celebrate the spirit of thanksgiving all year, but I do love November!!!

Over the River and through the Woods -- Thanksgivings with Family

I can hardly believe that it is only one day before Thanksgiving already! I remember thanksgivings with my grandmothers, although the location was the home of my aunts. My dad’s mother lived with my aunt and her family in Ohio. I remember a few different occasions going up there in the snow and enjoying Thanksgiving there with my grandmother, aunt, uncle and my cousins before they were married. Happy memories there!

Then, my other grandmother lived with my mother’s sister in Boise, Idaho. I spent a few Thanksgivings with them and other extended family members some of my other aunts, uncles and cousins as well as some of my cousins’ children! We all ate together, and then many of us played some card and dominoes games.

Now, both grandmothers are gone, and I am not as much of a traveller as I used to be. I would love to travel to be with some of my relatives, but I am looking forward to the dinner with my parents. Small celebrations are special just as larger ones are. Maybe we can call some of our family when I am at my parent’s house.

I thank God for family and extended family. Those who have passed on and those who are living mean so much and add so much to my life. Then, some friends have been like family and I am so thankful for them as well! I think of those who do not have any close family. For them and for myself, I look forward to when we are with our forever family when God takes us to our forever home! That will be a real Thanksgiving Day and celebration. Everyone will belong, never to be alone again!

Here is a great version with traditional pictures of "Over the River and through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go!"

Thanks for Service

One group of people for whom it is very appropriate to express appreciation are veterans. No matter what people's political views, these veterans have worked hard and sacrificed so much. Here is a YouTube tribute to the veterans of the United States of America.

Thankful for those Special People

Today, Dear Lord, I am thanking You for that special someone or those special people that you place in our lives and all they mean to us. Human love in its simplest and unselfish sharing life together is just a taste of what we will have in a better life one day, that coming day made possible because of Jesus. Thank You for giving us this taste! 

Here is a sweet Thanksgiving song by Johnny Cash on YouTube.