Blessed, thankful and some "food for thought."
Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. I am completely blessed by a wondeful, loving family and great friends. This has been a very special few weeks as I have spent more time, than I normally get, with my friends both those who live right around me and even some that I had not seen in many years. I am also blessed by wonderful clients, many of whom have had such impact on my life long well beyond the closing table.
I am also very grateful for all of those who are in my daily life that make my community "home." Everyone has these people in their lives, but they are often overlooked.
I am thankful for staff I see every week at Publix, from managers to the baggers to the produce guy, who knows how picky I am about my fruits not being too ripe (and always goes to the back to bring me the newest packages).
I am thankful for my pharmacists who can actually probably tell you what medications each person in my family takes better than I can.
I am grateful for my bank staff that are always helpful and cheerful.
I am thankful for the staff (especially our fearless and always motivating leader, Leah) and members of the YMCA. No matter the day I am having, the gym is always a bright spot. I love that I have seen some of the same members for at least the past 15 years.
I am thankful for Palmer Trinity. It has been so much more than just the school my kids attend. It is truly a community that is vested in the entire family.
I am thankful to be part of the St. Louis parish community that gives so much energy to helping others and never loses sight of how fortunate we are.
I am grateful for my morning jogs in Coral Reef Park, where I can say "Good Morning" to each person I pass.
I am grateful for the nail salon, where I was able to see the pure joy brought by my manicurist's new grandson.
I am grateful for my hairdresser for the laughter that we share.
I know these are may seem very simple. However, in a world that moves so fast and spends so much time focusing on what divides us, it is nice that there are people around me that make the daily, mundane things positive.
On this Thanksgiving weekend, think about all of those around you who you see every week and probably know much better than you think.
This weekend when you are in all of the holiday traffic, let someone in.
Open a door for someone instead of being in the usual mad rush we are all always in.
Smile at a stranger who just might be in need of some positivity.
Call a friend you have not seen in ages.
Call a friend who you have not spoken to, because your views sit on opposite sides of the aisle.
The more we value and embrace our community, we can make small chages that can make all the difference in the world.