Thanksgiving 2020

It’s Thanksgiving 2020 and for the first time ever Joe and I (and Otto) are having Thanksgiving by ourselves. With everything that is going on in the world we thought it best to just stay put this year. It leaves a sting in my heart. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s all about relaxing with your family, eating good good food and being thankful for what you have.

I can still do most of that but I am going to miss lounging around with my fam afterwards. I keep telling myself it’s just this year. Joe, Otto and I will probably (Lord willing) not have another holiday just to ourselves so we are going to take advantage of it. When we made the decision I called the local butcher and snagged the last four turkey legs he had available. It was either an 18lb bird or turkey legs for two. Funny enough they are coming from Otto’s Poultry Farm.

We are making a huge dinner for the three of us. Potatoes, stuffing, bread, pie and turkey. We’ll live off of the left overs for the next few days. It’s supposed to be nice out so hopefully we can meet up with family safely outdoors and go for a walk.

I read something on Ashlee_Eilands instagram this week,
“Thanksgiving isn’t an event. It’s a discipline of the faithful. When we give thanks in weariness, give thanks in loss, give thanks for the ones we wish we were near – we’re really proclaiming forth a proof of hope. For gratitude is a relentless witness to life we found in the dark.”

Let that sink in a bit because it gave me goosebumps.

This can be applied to so many times in my life but for right now it’s being separated by an invisible virus from my extended family. Extended family who are currently healthy, safe in their own homes.

Despite 2020 being a major dumpster fire we have a lot to be grateful in this house.

First and foremost we have yet another solid, wonderful year of Otto’s health. The boy keeps growing and despite his heart anatomy being a bit messy, the function remains strong. He has handled many toddler things like a typical toddler (well….almost typical toddler) and for that we couldn’t be more grateful. He is and will forever be the light of my life and the absolute joy  of my heart. Falling behind at work and at “life” were the consequences of two worlds colliding this year but the silver lining was getting to see my two year old blossom into a strong, strong willed and funny three year old.

I am also grateful for the man that Joe is. He loves his family, works hard and is an amazing father. I am grateful that he sees us as equals and it was never a question of not splitting up the work load when push came to shove came to quarantine. He knows me well enough that when I look up from the couch at the ceiling he responds: I’m not painting that. (but he would if I asked). I am grateful for the time we’ve been able to spend this year learning and growing and being strong in ways we didn’t know we would have to be.

I am grateful that despite all that has happened in the business world, God has continued to bless our businesses. I’ve had a few (too many) sleepless nights where I knew I was not in control and just had to have faith. Thus far we have been able to weather the storms just fine. I see a light at the end of the tunnel and I’m holding on to faith that we continue to see it through.

Finally, I am grateful that 2021 is just on the horizon. I have faith and I am hopeful for a better year of stability, unity and both physical and financial health for all. This year has been trying no doubt about that. I am looking to the next few months as a giant breather to get ready for the exciting times ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving my friends. I am grateful for you. I wish you health and happiness this year. Wherever and with whomever you are celebrating with I hope you stay safe and eat lots of turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Abby, Joe and Otto