Thankful

It’s very hard to write a Thanksgiving day blog without sounding trite or cliché.

The whole concept of Thanksgiving is such a good thing. A day to focus on thanksgiving. Gratitude. And the everyday things, and the really big things, that bring us joy.

I woke up this morning to a hot cup of coffee my husband brought me. A little thing – but a really thoughtful thing. It’s my favorite way to wake up.

We had to get the full house moving to make the neighborhood Turkey Trot – a 5K race starting at 8:45am. I love this tradition. It gets you moving to start the day. It’s active. And it’s something our whole family can do. However, it’s not always hugely popular – particularly with teenagers. My son had a cousin sleep over and it’s likely they didn’t get enough rest, but they got up anyway. The girls were ready to roll and off we went.

I really do love running a good 5K to start Thanksgiving. As cheesy as it sounds, I try to mindfully count my blessings as I run. Even today – when it was really rainy and a bit chilly.

It made getting home to our cozy house all the sweeter. I made chocolate chip pancakes for the kids as everyone got dried off and then we settled in for a lazy day. We watched Home Alone. Again. Amazing every time. My niece and nephew came over and the girls helped me make pumpkin pies and the boys helped me make berry pie. And we made brownies for those that don’t like pie. A mountain of desserts with my happy helpers.

Then we went to my sister-in-law’s house for dinner. It’s such a special thing to be surrounded by family on Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for our big Seattle family and the traditions we have here. I love that my kids are growing up with cousins who they love very much and that they have so much fun together. The night ended with the annual showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Hilarious. Every time.

But I read something on Facebook today about the glamorization of holidays. That we all face pressure to paint the perfect picture. So here are a few things that weren’t perfect today:

1. I miss my family. Very much. My family largely lives in Missouri and I love them dearly. I hate being away from them on holidays like Thanksgiving. Growing up, we were so close with my grandparents – having Thanksgiving lunch at my dad’s parents house and dinner at my mom’s parents house in northern Arkansas. It was a ton of food (and dirty dishes) and fitting of the south. So very good. So much love. And so many great memories. I would give a lot for one more of those Thanksgivings. This year, we lost my last grandparent – my mom’s mom – and I thought of Grandma Fern so many times today. I would love one of her big bear hugs. A taste of her ridiculously buttery mashed potatoes. And to end the night with a big game of Monopoly.
2. My son got sick. Not super sick, but a good fever. Just as we were leaving for his aunt’s house, he said he didn’t feel well. I took his temperature and yep, a legit fever. I gave him Motrin and told him we should stay home. My husband took the girls and we settled in to watch Netflix. The Motrin kicked in, he felt better, and the family graciously said we should come – regardless. So we did. Granted he had just spent all day with his cousins anyway, but so great to join the family and celebrate Thanksgiving as planned.
3. An early end. Like every night, my youngest daughter has an early curfew. She needs a lot of sleep to protect against seizures, so she and I came home early so I could put her to bed. We had lots of cuddles. I talked to my parents for awhile, who I hadn’t reached earlier today. And now I sit here with a beautiful candle, my favorite writing project, and my cozy dog (OK…that was sugar-coating – that sweet dog just emptied out our bathroom trash can). It’s a nice way to end a day actually – but we’d both rather be with the larger family laughing at Cousin Eddie.

I’m sure I’m not alone. Most holidays are a balance of great times, people we love, special memories, and maybe just a few things we wish were different.

But, this year, I am so committed to making every day Thanksgiving. Who says we should practice it one day a year? Every day is a day worth being grateful for. And for making the most of what we have. If we live with intention, with gratitude, with yes, thankfulness, for what we have – not for what might be – every day will be more fulfilling, the laughs will come easier, and our hearts will be lighter.

This year I am reminded of the gifts of health, of family, of dear friends, and the happiness that can come from pursuing joy and our passions. And this, is certainly worth being thankful for.

Author: Lisa Gurry

Defined as a Writer. Creator. Mom of 3. Runner. Fashion lover. Traveler. View all posts by Lisa Gurry