As I recall last year's Thanksgiving, I am overcome with a bittersweet emotion. While the holiday was happy, since my father had finally gotten a job outside of Kansas and we would soon have a house, beds, and clothes again, Thanksgiving also came with its losses. The family was split up all over the United States, we were moving over the holiday, and we had lost a very dear pet. Times were still tough, but we made the most of it. My sister and I joined my parents and two younger sisters for the Holiday weekend, but both of my brothers could not make it out.
Justin and Molly were experiencing hardship on thier end, as well. Having just lost a baby and Molly's job, the two were tight on money and spent the weekend with Molly's family in South Dakota. We would not see them until Christmas. Too, Drew and Kristin spent the holiday with her family. The brothers were noticeably absent during our moving weekend. But, we made do.
This year, however, will be completely different. For months, have been anticipating the flight home on Saturday. My sister Emily and I will be skipping three days of school to go home early. This year, instead of a small gathering on plastic tables with disposable dinnerware in a barren and borrowed home, Thanksgiving will find my family, all eleven of us, surrounding the dining room table, adorned with real turkey and china. Instead of only the eight of us (Mom, Dad, and the six children), the table will have additions. This year, our brothers bring home wives...and Justin and Molly bring home Lucy.
I could never have imagined how wonderful this year could have been. As I think back to last year and the drastic changes that have occurred in my family, I am amazed at God's loving mercy and blessings He has unquestioningly showered upon my family. Not only do we have a home and the basics, I will be holding a new niece. I will watch my brother and his wife finally marry in the Church. I will sit around the Thanksgiving table next week, amazed at the beauty God has put in my life. I have so much to be thankful for this year.
I wish everyone the happiest of Thanksgivings! And remember, no matter how dreary life seems, one can always find something to be thankful for. And life changes an awful lot in a year! May you all have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
