Happy Thanksgiving!

Give me the end of the year an’ its fun
When most of the plannin’ an’ toilin’ is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin’ with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An’ I’ll put soul in my Thanksgivin’ prayers.

~ from Thanksgiving by Edgar Guest

This year, I’m thankful that I’ve made it to Thanksgiving and am still reasonably sane! Seriously, after the summer we had, I am so extremely thankful that Natalie’s Crohn’s is in remission and that she is back to her smiley, giggly, teenage-girly self.

I’m thankful that I’ve been married to Kevin for fifteen (and a half) years and that we still love each other, still talk to each other, and still make each other laugh.

I’m thankful for Noah, who is growing into a creative and kind-hearted young man.

I’m thankful for Jonathan, who is maturing and learning to channel his strong will into determination.

I’m thankful for Josiah, who still throws himself into my arms for hugs every day, and who lets out his inner silly every once in a while.

I’m thankful that we live close to my parents and that we enjoy spending time together.

I’m thankful for three sisters who I wish lived closer to me.

I’m thankful for a best friend who I can tell anything to and who gets me.

And, I’m thankful for all of you, for the wonderful online friends I have made, for those of you who take the time out of your day to read what I have to say, to leave comments, and to share your lives and love of books with me. Happy Thanksgiving to my readers in the United States, and have a wonderful Thursday to the rest of you.

Read the entire poem here.