Pictured is my mom’s Thanksgiving table in 2016.  I often sent her flowers for Thanksgiving so she would know I was with her in spirit.  Edie loved cooking for her family and friends. Even as it became more difficult to prepare the Thanksgiving meal, it was important for her to keep the tradition, one she shared with so many throughout the years. (Thanks to Nancy for these special pictures of mom’s last Thanksgiving table:)

As you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal say a grace (also try joining hands). I loved when mom would squeeze my hand when she said grace. Although gratefulness is an important piece in many religions, you can be secular and still say a grace of gratefulness:)

Join hands for Daniel Roselle’s “Thanksgiving Grace”:

THIS IS A DAY for THANKS.
A DAY IN WHICH WE
SEE OR HEAR OR FEEL
THE WONDERS OF THE OTHER
MOMENTS OF THE YEAR.

THIS IS A DAY FOR TIME.
A DAY IN WHICH WE
THINK OF PASTS THAT MAKE
OUR PRESENT RICH
AND FUTURE BOUNTIFUL.

THIS IS A DAY FOR JOY.
A DAY IN WHICH WE SHARE A GIFT OF LAUGHTER
WARM AND GENTLE
AS A SMILE.

ABOVE ALL, THIS IS A DAY FOR PEACE.
SO LET US
TOUCH EACH OTHER
AND KNOW THAT
WE ARE ONE.
(From a book I gave my mom in 2001 entitled Graces by June Cotner)

Or

We are so grateful for this food,
it restores our strength,
it heals our bodies,
it fuels our brains.

We are so grateful for this time,
to renew our spirit,
to share our trials,
to find new strength.

(From Off Beat Home & Life)

I thank you dear family and friends for sharing in my life-the dark hours, the challenges,the struggles and strife, the good times, the laughter, the love and the cheer-through all and all-I am blessed you are near. (By Steve Myrvang)

These words describe exactly how grateful I am to all of my family and friends who have stood with me as I have mourned and grieved the loss of my mom.

Thank you for your expressions of love and caring along with hugs and sharing.