As Halloween decorations empty off the shelves and Christmas merchandise replaces them, it seems that the old turkey gobbler and Thanksgiving was forgotten. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

As children, we learned about the first meal shared at Plymouth Colony where Pilgrims invited Indians to join hands and gave thanks for the bountiful “autumn harvest.” What are you truly thankful for?

I’m especially thankful for my family, those present and those gone before me, for instilling a spirit of gratitude for every gift of love and time shared with people I love in my life. I am grateful for marrying the love of my life, my family and friends, my pets, the best job ever and that the Cleveland Browns has a winning record this year!!!

Thanksgiving as a national holiday has a history of sorts. In 1789 George Washington introduced the event as a national holiday. It was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln set the final Thursday in November. Fast forward to 1989 President George H.W. Bush, when granted the first official pardon to a turkey, a tradition that continues today. (not sure if that is those in the pollical offices or the fowl)

Just stop and take the time (3 mins) to reflect on what you are thankful for and how blessed your life is going. Even through storms of your life there is always a blessing, sometimes you just need to be open to see it.

2020 has been a very trying year for everyone. Be kind to one another, even if you view things differently. Bottom line, let the people you know and love know exactly how thankful you are for their presence in your life.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I am thankful that you are taking the time to read this blog.