I would be lying if I didn’t say today was hard. This morning I woke up and woke up to loving texts wishing me a happy Thanksgiving. I was planning to call my mom on the way to work. As I got into my car I started crying. This is my first holiday away from home. It is just one of those things that make 2000 miles feel like 20,000 miles. Sure I have worked holidays in the past and honestly I am so grateful that I did work today. Even now I can’t help but miss my family.
I think what is even harder is knowing this my new normal. The chances of me spending any holidays on the holiday with my family are small. But like my mom told me today, we need to focus on what we do have.
I am grateful to have a family that wants to be together on the holidays, and that misses me as much as I miss them.
I am grateful for the community that I have started to build here, that allowed me several thanksgiving celebrations.
I am grateful to live in a beautiful place, doing what I love.
There are so many things to be grateful for. I know that this a is giving looks different for a lot of people. I just want to say that it is okay to be upset that you are not having the typical celebration. It’s okay to wish it was different. I think it is okay to mourn what has been lost this year. It’s okay to cry, I know I did!
Let us be grateful for the little things. I pray that you are filled with so much love this holiday season, no matter what I looks like.
Crossing the Jordan 
Happy Thanksgiving Ashley! Love you
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I cried yesterday morning as well…and had a hard time being thankful and putting aside my sadness. But family time doesn’t only happen at holidays and maybe the next time you see your family, you can make it special and start new traditions. ❤️ You got this. I know it’s hard though for sure.
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I’m sorry! I know that this has been hard on you as well! I’m sure as the years pass the traditions will happen. It’s okay to be sad and grateful at the same time!
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Holidays are very difficult for many as this is the time when we focus on family. Many times find ourselves drifting to the past and feeling sad for what has been lost.
Life has many seasons. At one time, we are forging ahead and rejoicing in the new, at others we are saying goodbye, or even hunkering down under the blankets, hibernating. By experiencing part of each season, we learn to find, and appreciate what is most important to us.
During this COVID thanksgiving season, focusing on what we have and sharing our gratitude with others can be a powerful healing experience. I am thankful for an amazing daughter who is not afraid to face the difficult challenges to pursue her dreams. I am thankful for the technology that allows us to connect even though we are thousands of miles apart. I am thankful for a daughter whose faith is strong and will continue to guide.
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