Photo courtesy of Norman Rockwell Archive

Thanksgiving. The very word conjures up different meanings and memories for everyone. A time for reflection, giving thanks, spending time with family and counting our blessings, it is a holiday that has been a tough one for me. My father passed away on this holiday, eighteen years ago. He was suffering with a brain tumor and cancer, and spent his final days at Greenwich Hospice. The nurses and staff there are phenomenal. It is awe inspiring, really, what they do everyday. They provided him with comfort and the best care. My mom, sister and tried to have some semblance of normalcy and went to a close friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner. That's when we got the call. That very same couple introduced my mom to the wonderful man she married this past weekend. Now my sadness is overcome by joy as I think of them on their honeymoon, their first Thanksgiving together. This year, I have so much to be thankful for. I give thanks for these wonderful blessings a new beginning! I will miss my mom's stellar turkey and cranberry relish along with orange cranberry sauce, but hey, there's always next year to enjoy that. Wishing you a joyous gobble gobble and scrumptiously creative leftovers.

What are you most thankful for this year?