And it wasn't because of my Dad's brilliant stuffing with cranberries and pine nuts, or the entertaining quotes that spilled from my sweet 5 year old cousin's mouth throughout the afternoon and evening.
The biggest reason it had new meaning is that there was a new person involved in the prep for the big meal. Well, not really involved exactly but happily growling at her toys who just happened to be the little people lions, camels and birds. Yes, she growls at the birds too. All while the mashed potatoes, turkey, yams, rolls, and stuffing were coming together.
I'm thankful for the the fact Sookie arrived safely. I'm thankful for the fact my transplanted kidney survived labor. I'm thankful for the fact I survived labor. I'm thankful for the entire team of Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists at IMC who put up with me as a patient; because we all know I am a nightmare patient, questioning everyone and everything. I'm thankful for the support of family who truly gets it. I'm thankful for my parents unwavering ability to remain my rocks day in and day out. I'm thankful for Rory, who gives me all the love in the world (and then some) but never encourages me to be sad or angry.
I'm thankful for a million other things too.
I have been a grateful girl throughout this entire year, there is no doubt about that. Each day I wake up and soak in all that is here and real. I wish that everyone would let the overwhelming gratitude of Thanksgiving Day carry on throughout the rest of the year. Wouldn't the world be a much more beautiful place if that happened?
I saw this quote on Twitter and had to retweet it immediately. It is one thing to rattle off a list of things you are thankful for at the dinner table on a Thursday in November, but it is something entirely different to wake up each day and find those nuggets of hope and sheer bliss up against the day to day frustrations like the weather, a flat tire, a red light, a bad hair day, or someone unintentionally hurting your feelings. Being a grateful person each day does take work, I am still learning that myself.
This girl? Well, she had her first fall, complete with blood all over in her mouth; cue Mama having a freak out. (We are both fine now.) But, before that? Before that she was happy as can be with her cheerios and her bow covered in sequins.
It doesn't take much to make her happy.
And I love that about her.
