Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Sharing good food with family and friends.  Gifts are those of labor and love,  not material possessions.  I also love the traditional events surrounding Thanksgiving.  I’m talking about the Keswick Blessing of the Hounds at Grace Episcopal Church, The Boar’s Head Turkey Trot, and The Thanksgiving Day Parade.  As of last year, I have another reason to celebrate and give thanks.  My son, Levi, was born at 4am November 26.

While Levi missed being born on Thanksgiving last year by 4 hours, I still consider him my little turkey…who is not so little anymore.  He’s a full grown turkey, weighing in at 26 lbs.  I’ve been reflecting on his last year as his first birthday approaches.  I can’t believe how tiny he was at birth (6 lbs 12 oz).

This year our Thanksgiving Day plan is to share our meal with my Dad’s large family in Richmond, Va (Aunt Debbie and Uncle Henry’s home).  I will not be participating in the annual Turkey Trot again this year due to health reasons, but miss the tradition of a cold morning run prior to consuming large amounts of savory food.

In the past, Jamie and I have held a second Thanksgiving feast at our home for nearby friends.  This is probably the event of the season, in my opinion.  I have entertaining videos from past post feast games.  The game “Things” is our traditional favorite, yet not complete without key friends.  This year we are hosting the largest Thanksgiving Party held to date.  Really, it’s because Levi has more friends than us.  The idea is to celebrate Levi’s birthday and give thanks with close family and friends in the intimate setting of our backyard.  I’m pitching a heated tent for dining, stringing hundreds of photos under the tent, hanging chinese lanterns, and preparing a large amount of savory food…with a little help from Whole Foods  In lieu of  birthday gifts, Levi is holding a new toy drive for our friend Trevor’s organization, Trevor’s Treasures.  Please consider making a donation online to support Trevor’s cause.  Trevor is a former Hematology/Oncology patient of mine when I worked at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.

 

I’m looking forward to the days ahead and thankful I have people I love to share them.