Thanks

Thanksgiving

It’s been a long time since I’ve been away for Thanksgiving. It feels so strange not being able to give thanks along with my dear family. I will miss the giant, golden brown turkey made by my dad and brothers, or one of my charming uncles. I will miss my mom’s gourmet and perfect side dishes that literally took her hours of love and thoughtfulness to make. I will miss my grandma Wildish’s ambrosia salad (though I can no longer eat it, I still can’t understand why it’s so green and delicious!). I will miss reminiscing about my grandparents that have passed, they will always be in my heart. I will miss playing charades with my crazy family; ganging up on my dad who still has no idea how to sign for a movie. Though we poke fun, we would not have it any other way. I will miss practicing jingle bell rock over and over and over again with my dad so we can play it for everyone at every gathering during the holidays: ) I will miss opting out of yet another game of euchre..... I will always refuse to learn how to play! ;) I will miss meeting my nephew for the first time, what could be more angelic than a precious newborn? I will miss giggling and squeezing my two nieces....for they are the joy of my heart. I will miss every aspect of Thanksgiving at home; except cleaning up the mess!

As I get older, I have to be grateful for the moments I DO have, not the moments I am missing out on. I have had the most incredible journey these past 11 months, and I have a hell of a lot to be thankful for. I cannot express what this moment in time has done for me. I have seen parts of the world I had never expected to see. I have embraced many cultures; here on the ship and out in the world. I have been fearless, something I know I could not have said before coming on this contract (some of you know how much of a stress ball I have been before! :)) I have learned how little difference there really is between people, once you take away all the backgrounds, religions, and cultural upbringings. I have gained so much love from the many people I have met on this journey. I have written music that means something, and I am grateful for that. I have fallen in love with life and friends. I have learned from every person who has been on this journey with me. I have learned that no matter how far away I am from home, I still have the love and support of my family and friends. I am the luckiest girl in the world. And that’s my thanks.