Notes from England - Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello all!

Well it's Thanksgiving! Hooray! As most people know, but in case you don't, (Brits, I'm looking at you) today is a special holiday in the United States. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims who landed in Plymouth, who together with the Native Americans that helped them learn to farm, shared in a feast and gave thanks for what the harvest brought them.

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the US, and it falls on the second Monday in October in Canada. In the UK, there is the celebration of the Harvest Festival...but it is much more downplayed and is certainly not a major holiday as it is in North America.

Today, Thanksgiving in the US is much less about the harvest for most, and it is truly a day to celebrate what we have in our lives that we are grateful for. Therefore, it is time for me to reflect on what I am grateful for in my life...and there is so very, very much.

First and foremost, I am grateful for Helen. She is the most important person in my life by far, and if I didn't have her I really don't know how I could cope. I know to some that sounds fragile or weak...but to those people I say you haven't truly loved. She is my other half...and without her I am not whole.

I am grateful for my family. They have loved me and supported me for twenty five years now, and although we don't always see eye-to-eye, without the relationships I have with each and every one of them, I wouldn't be who I am and where I am today. I love my family, and I wouldn't be without them.

I am thankful for my friends. They are a truly understanding bunch. They're as crazy as I am at the best of times, but that's why I love them so much. They support me and encourage me, even when what I do doesn't suit their desires. I wouldn't trade any of them.

I am thankful for new family. Helen's family have been nothing but completely supportive of our marriage from the outset. They show genuine care and love and they are truly dealing with a lot by taking me under their roof. They have lent support in more ways than I can list, and I am truly grateful.

I give thanks for new friends. I've met so many new faces in my many journeys to England, and they have all been so very kind and open to me. The people of England truly are a warm and lovely people, and it shows in all of Helen's friends...people she has known far longer than she has known me. Their kindness towards both Helen and I is very touching indeed.

I am thankful for life...for love...for happiness. These are the very simple yet crucial necessities we all have. And I have all of them.

I am thankful to everyone reading this blog.

What are you thankful for?