About three weeks ago I picked my mom up from work and she was very eager to show me some ideas she had for napkin designs she had for Thanksgiving. She had been watching Youtube and looking for ideas. Napkin folding and design at Christmas and Thanksgiving has become her “thing” the last four or five years. I can only attribute this to the fact that she watches too many Hallmark Holiday movies where people have fancy tables and elaborate place settings. Either that or she is pretending to be busy folding napkins so she doesn’t have to help in the kitchen. Napkin design is at least better than the year she decided to make homemade pies…we have all tried to forget that sad, sad coconut custard pie. She decided this year she will fold the napkins into pumpkins and needed to get some cinnamon sticks for stems and other small items to complete her project. I, of course, indulged her and made sure we got what she needed. Seeing her happy with anticipation of a holiday made me smile. I’m grateful for the fact that I get to spend another holiday with my parents. My mom works hard and always has. Even though she could retire, it makes her feel “useful” to work a few days a week. She still somehow finds the energy to care for my dad through his illness and never gives up. Those “fancy” napkins, though funny and insignificant to some, are her way of feeling she is contributing. Though I tease her about them, I love the fact that she makes them each year. They have become part of our tradition and something she looks forward to doing. The holiday itself, Thanksgiving, is an expression of our gratitude for all that we have and for which we have been blessed. I always make sure to acknowledge the abundance of food, the company of my family and friends, and the home in which we celebrate…all are extremely important. I do often forget, though, to acknowledge the sacrifice. Much of what I have to be grateful for was given to me by others, contributed by another hard working individual or group of individuals. The time and talents of others are blessings we often forget to acknowledge. I am grateful for the blessings of my family and friends, for the time spent with them and the sacrifices they have made that have enriched my life. I am blessed to be a part of this Hill community and I recognize the sacrifice you as parents and grandparents make to support the education of our students. The time, talents, and sacrifices of our faculty, staff, volunteers, and students has made my life all that much more wonderful. I wish you all God’s Blessings this Thanksgiving. Enjoy the Bounty and share with each other in gratitude for all the we have been blessed with.