Thank You Brother John!

This Thanksgiving is just a week before I note the first anniversary of my arrival in Evergreen. As I reflect back on all the events of the past year, I realize that I have much to be grateful for since my arrival. However, one of the things I am most grateful for occurred just a couple weeks ago when my brother John came to visit.

I won't go into specific right now, because things are still in the works, but as I look back at the past year, John's visit exemplifies one of the greatest blessings of the year. Our family has grown closer despite the miles that now separate us. How amazing is that? When I was at my wits end, my siblings called to offer encouragement and my brother John stepped in and provided much needed guidance. I'll share the rest of the story once all the details are finalized...

During John's visit, since Mom and I knew that we wouldn't be flying to Florida for Thanksgiving, we decided to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with John. The picture above is John demonstrating the correct way to carve a turkey, as Mom looks on. The reason I'm not paying attention to his instruction is because I have no interest in the correct way to carve a turkey. All I really want to do is pull the skin off and eat it....it's the best part of the bird, isn't it?! My contribution to the meal was my famous chocolate bourbon pecan pie....which is, in my humble estimation, the best in the entire universe.

As I look through the photos of the past year for a picture of that glorious pie, (which apparently I forgot to document with a photo)  and reflect on how much has changed, I realize that one of the biggest changes is that I'm finally at peace. Sure, there are still a lot of things I need to accomplish...but I am more hopeful about the future.

On this first Thanksgiving in Evergreen, I'd like to share some of the things I am most grateful for:

• Mom's continued health and the wonderful healthcare she receives both in Evergreen and Denver. 

• The friends we have met and made here. The warmth and hospitality of the people of Evergreen is unlike anywhere else we've ever lived.

• My friends who have stayed in touch and continued our friendship despite the distance.

• The generous response I received from friends, family, and fellow authors on Amazon, when I published my first ebook, Mrs. Tuesday's Departure, last month.

• All the important lessons I've learned, both easy and hard, maybe especially the hard.

I wish you all blessings of family and friends and really great food this Thanksgiving! If you have a moment, please leave a comment and let me know what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving Day!

"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." - 1 Chronicles 29:13