I know that this is a difficult day for many, for historic/justice reasons, for personal/family reasons, or just because they are going through a lonely time.

To those for whom it is difficult:

I hope you can find another day to enjoy good food with friends and family.

If things look bleak and lonely at present, please remember that life is change. Please hang in there, and know that the world is richer with you in it.

May you find people to enjoy the good times with, and may there be lots of good times!

If your family is difficult or problematic, may you have found family, now or in the future, to bring you joy!

Perhaps things will get better with your first family… but even if it doesn’t, it does not mean you have to be without family!

Sometimes things can be repaired, but sometimes not.

I love the spirit of Thanksgiving: getting together with loved ones to share a good meal and contemplate the good in life.

We never lived close to my extended family, so it was always a happy group cobbled together from friends and friends-of-friends.

Since COVID, we have kept a small Thanksgiving with my parents. That year we met on the porch to swap goodies, and then went home. I appreciate each additional year when I can enjoy Thanksgiving with my parents in their home. They are in their 80s, and that era may be coming to an end.

I have much to be thankful for, and today I will be happy to contemplate those blessings, large and small.

These photos are a few favorites from summers past. Flowers and nature are two of the great small joys in my life, and I love sharing them with you.

May you have a wonderful day!