The food, the smells, the friends, the family, the celebration... all are pieces that make up this special holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is that day to celebrate with the ones we love and to give our thanks. It is at this time I realize I should be more thankful during the year and not just at this time. But luckily, we are given this time to share it with everyone we love. This day offers us time to think about what really matters to us. So I ask you, what are you really grateful for?I am thankful for family. Being away from mine for this amount of time and not being able to pick up the phone at anytime and call, has made me appreciate them even more than I did before. I'll even go as far to say I miss my little brother(s) (who would have thought I would ever say that?). I also want to thank my family, for all their support and giving me the most amazing opportunity and experience I have ever had. I truly thank you for all you have done for me. To my parents, a special thanks without you I would not be where I am today without you. There are no words that I can say to express my gratitude. Although, I cannot find the words I hope you do know I am grateful for everything and to have loving parents as you two.
To those who I have just met, I have known for many years, and those I have new friendships with. I am thankful for each and every one of you. I could sit here and type to each of you why I am thankful for you. (However, there is not enough space to do so, if you request I will write a personal note to you--just let me know). In general, what have you all brought me is friendship and have shown me the meaning of it. I want you to know all of you have each become a part of my life in one way or another and have had an impact on it. Whether it was in passing and we've only ever said "hello." Whether you were someone I met on a train, in an airport or just someone I've met in my travels from a different culture or even my own. Whether you have been there in support of me and been there in moments of laughter or tears. You have all touched my life in one way or another. I would not have some of the experiences life has to offer without any of you. For that I am truly grateful and I offer my many thanks to each of you.
On this Thanksgiving day eat lots of turkey, sleep because of too much food, celebrate with your friends and family, count your blessings, and tell those you love, that you are thankful for them and what they mean to you (even if they drive you crazy). Remember, "It's not what you have in life but who you have in your life that counts."
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone
Forever all my love,
Stephanie
Note: not my photo
