Expressing Gratitude - Day 15

I got to work this morning and it was BUSY. I used to go in at midnight but realized I needed a good chunk of sleep before heading out so now I arrive after 2:00. Since it rained today, and I knew I'd need extra time to bag the papers, I went in a smidge earlier. A bunch of carriers were still there and my normal table was taken so I parked it next to my friend. My friend that has no name because I'm embarrassed to ask him! He knows mine but I have yet to ask him what his is. I'm horrible.

We got to talking about Thanksgiving and the craziness it brings when it comes to newspapers. Like, each paper weighs about 5 lbs. Say a prayer for me Thursday morning.

I asked him what his plans were and he said he didn't have any. "Any kids that'll come over?" "Nope," he said. "Any siblings close by?" I asked. "I have a nephew in Huntington Beach and my mom is down there. But nobody up here."

My heart sank.

Nobody should be alone on Thanksgiving.

I regretfully told him we were headed out of town, otherwise I'd be more than happy to have him join our family. He appreciated my offer and said he'd be fine.

Man, it made me grateful that we always have a place to go. We have plenty of family around that are more than willing to celebrate with us. And even if they weren't, we have friends that could substitute. And if that didn't work out, we have each other. It's something that I might have taken for granted in the past but I will now treasure the moments we get to be with our family. Especially this year, with LaVor's parents joining us.

Thanksgiving 1993

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving 2012