On this day, the culmination of gratitude week, I want to say that I’m thankful for all of you. Thank you for taking the time to read what I write, thank you for commenting and caring, thank you for showing up every day and making me part of your world . . . you all are amazing!

However you spend this day, whether it’s feasting with family and friends, or setting boundaries and practicing self care, I hope you get to do exactly what you want.

I’ll catch back up with you on Monday.

Remember Ten on Tuesday? It’s been over six years since I dropped this weekly theme but I’m bringing it back with a special edition today to list 10 Things I’m Thankful for Right Now.

1. Dale. Of course he’s at the top of my list. I’ve always been thankful for his love and the relationship we have but I was never so keenly aware of it as during the pandemic and following his accident.
2. My kids and grandkids. This covers not just Hannah, the one I gave birth to, but also Brant and Jessica and Luke, my daughter-in-law, Heather, my son-in-law, Mikey, my unofficial son-in-law, Eryk, and all three grandkids, Patrick, Ambrynn, and Jackie. It was so awesome to have them all together earlier this summer and I’m grateful for the relationship I have with each of them.
3. Wonderful and loyal friends. I can’t list them all but I’m so thankful for my OG bestie, Doreen, as well as my town bestie, Jo-Ann. Plus colleagues that are friends and Kiwanians that are friends, and neighbors and so many more. I am truly lucky to have a large circle of people I can count on.
4. Our cozy home. It took many years for me to feel like I belong here and, if I’m being perfectly honest, I still sometimes struggle with that. Nevertheless, I’ve made it ours and it’s warm and cozy and welcoming.
5. A thorough doctor. I haven’t fill you in completely on some of the things I’ve been dealing with when it comes to my health but I will say a couple of things now. One, I don’t have carpal tunnel and two, I don’t have a tick disease. I do have a doctor who is on top of things, ordering plenty of tests and making sure we figure out all of the things that are going on. I’ve already made some changes that are helping and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more and make more positive changes.
6. Hobbies that inspire and engage. There’s reading, of course, and also knitting. Plus journaling and using my Cricut and playing Animal Crossings. I’m grateful for all of the things that entertain me.
7. Fulfilling work. I’m proud to be a librarian, it’s a noble profession and important institution – now more than ever.
8. Community involvement. I truly enjoy serving as a selectman and I’m grateful that the people in my community put their trust in me.
9. Science. I’m so grateful for all of the people who worked to create and test and approve vaccines.
10. Kittens. I couldn’t leave Fred and George off this list. I am grateful for their snuggles and antics and the fun they have brought to our home.

Happy Ten On Tuesday!

This day feels decidedly different from every Thanksgiving I can remember. That doesn’t mean it can’t be special, though, and I’m doing my level best to focus on that.

And in that spirit, I will say this: I’m grateful for the fullness of my life.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, however you are celebrating this year. I will see you back in this space on Monday.