happy thanksgiving

though the events that we commemorate on thankgiving are not happy or prideful; some odd years later, the idea of a holiday devoted to taking a step back and thinking of those things in our lives to be thankful for is really beautiful.

in ninth grade, my math teach gave us a big schpeal about thanksgiving and the holiday season. he talked with such passion about how important it is, as kids grow up and part from the family for college, marriage, or whatever life endeavors they choose, thanksgiving and the winter holidays are a time that the family comes back together to celebrate and reminisce and for many this might be the only time in the year that everyone is together. i sort of scoffed at this at the time, fourteen years old, living with my family, it almost felt like a prison sentence at times; well, i guess i can say not much has changed sometimes. what has changed is that despite the situation and family dynamic, i like to think i have grown and matured, i have realized the importance of family whether its biological or self chosen, the idea of having a group of people you can feel at home with. i have since begun to think about those who’s holiday season is a difficult time as they do not have family, a home, a place at a table.

i am thankful for all the people in my life who have watched me grow and influenced who i am; my family, my friends who have taught me how to love and how to relate, the kids i teach who really teach me and drill life into my sometimes deadly self, and the parents who trust me each day to be a part of their childrens lives, what a huge honor. i am incredibly thankful that i have a job that i love, a job that i would do without pay if i had no bills to pay. and this year, as in the past, i have my health and the means to make ends meet.