Thanksgiving Blessings ~ Ruthie L Manier

 

Finding Gratitude in a Year of Change:  As the crisp air of November settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, many of us pause to reflect on the past year and count our blessings. For my family, this year has brought its share of loss and heartache, making gratitude feel a little harder to grasp. Yet, in the midst of sorrow, I’ve found comfort and joy in cherishing the good times we’ve shared together. Today, I choose to focus on those moments that filled my heart and brought smiles to our faces.

Time with Family: The Greatest Gift This year, both my mom and sister retired, and their newfound free time has become an unexpected blessing. We finally have the chance to spend more meaningful moments together, sharing stories, laughter, and the everyday joys that come with being close. After so many years of busy schedules, just being able to sit together has become a treasure I never want to take for granted.

Adventures with My Children: My children truly spoiled me this year, surprising me with tickets for visits and adventures that I’ll never forget. Holly took me to see the majestic Niagara Falls and made sure our experience was unforgettable by treating us to a tour on the famous Maid of the Mist. Standing beside her and the kids in front of the roaring falls, I felt overwhelmed by the beauty and the love that surrounded me. We also visited the peaceful shores of Ontario Lake, soaking in the calm and the laughter of those moments together.

Grand Canyon Memories with Jon Kyle: My son, Jon Kyle, and his family invited me to join them for a few days exploring the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. We started our adventure by riding the train from our hotel in Williams, Arizona, where we were greeted by wild Mavericks running alongside the tracks and the delight of a pretend train robbery — a fun surprise that made us all laugh. On the way back, they took me through Sedona, Arizona, with its breathtaking red rocks and serene landscapes. The beauty of Sedona captured my heart, and I hope to return one day to experience it all over again.

Holding Onto Thankfulness: This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the precious time spent with my loved ones, for adventures that brought new memories, and for the simple moments of joy that helped heal our hearts. While this year has tested our resilience, it’s also reminded me to cherish the people and experiences that make life beautiful. As I look forward to gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I am grateful for the blessings that shine through even in difficult times. Wishing everyone a Thanksgiving filled with love, connection, and gratitude. May we all find moments to celebrate, no matter what this year has brought.