Thankful and Blessed.

The smell of turkey fills the living room, making me feel like I haven’t eaten in two days. My mom and aunt are in the kitchen preparing the food, and I get to sneak a bite when no one is looking. A parade is being broadcast on the TV, and all the kids eagerly await the enormous Grinch float to appear. Papaw asks what I want for Christmas, and when I reply, he asks with a grin if I have been good this year. After assuring him that I have done my very best, he smiles wide as he hugs me tight and tells me that I will be on the good list. I confess my impatience to my Mamaw, and she replies soothingly, reassuring me that it is almost time to eat, but asks me to grab her a cold Pepsi while we wait. I get it and return to a seat on the floor, joining the other kids to watch the parade, full of excitement and not a worry in the world.

I can’t help but tear up thinking about Thanksgiving and what it was like twenty years ago. I think about how those memories I hold so dear now were so quickly looked over in the moment, seeing them as insignificant. The old saying goes, “If I only knew then what I know now.” I would hold on to them so much tighter, squeeze that hug a little longer, and give every interaction my full attention. I would take in every smell and every conversation and take all the photos without complaints. Because one day, pictures will be all you have to look back on.

This time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the holidays. With all the preparations, the meals, the decorating, and the shopping. It is so easy to let yourself get caught up in it all and forget what the holidays are truly about. Thanksgiving is a time to spend with the ones you love and cherish your time together because we never know what those last moments will be.

I want to be intentional about slowing down and enjoying the little moments. Take the time to color a cardboard gingerbread house with my family. Decorate the tree together while Christmas music plays in the background, and I’ll let them put all the same ornaments on one side, knowing as soon as they go to bed, I can fix it! I want to make sure I get that hug with each family member we greet and say goodbye to at every family function. Take a camera and intentionally take photos with everyone. Take pictures of all of it, the kids playing, the parents fixing the plates, the grandparents sleeping on the couch, capture all of it. Even after the holidays, I want to make sure to visit, call, and check-in. I will let the kids send letters to the family with photos they take. I want to try to slow down a little and remind myself over and over how fleeting this time is, and once it is gone, we can’t get it back. Put the differences aside, embrace life's chaos, and be in each moment with love and kindness.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Make sure to hug your loved ones, be kind to one another, and eat lots of turkey!

God bless,

Samantha.