Most people associate Thanksgiving with family gatherings, football, lots of food, and of Turkey. There’s nothing wrong with that image, of course, but whether you are spending Thanksgiving this way, or celebrating in a different way (or not at all), I’d like to take a moment to say that for me, Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for all that we appreciate. So for me, as a writer, this is a chance for me to thank you, my readers, for being loyal, for being interested, for your support, and for giving me a reason to get up every morning and sit down at my desk and continue to share my words with you.
I am also grateful for my friends and family. I don’t have a lot of immediate family left, but I cherish my husband, who is the nearest and dearest of my family members. And there are some very special people (and two great cats) in my life who mean so much to me that they might as well be family. Without these very few but very important people, I truly don’t know that life would hold much joy. Their love and support is beyond value and while I think they know that this is true, I might as well publicly acknowledge how grateful I am to know them.
I am also grateful that on Christmas Eve, it will be exactly 14 years since I was diagnosed (and treated) for thyroid cancer. After 14 years have passed, it is assumed that you are “cured” (although I guess you aren’t ever really cured, 14 years is the amount of time that is considered past the danger point). Since I spent the millennium at home with bandages on my neck instead of partying like it was 1999, I am especially grateful that this year, I can go where I want and do as I please, secure in the knowledge that I am alive, and I am well.
So happy Thanksgiving everyone. What are YOU grateful for today? Please share.
Alison Blackman Dunham
