Thanksgiving Reflections: Gratitude Across the Miles

Thanksgiving has always been a time of reflection for me, though the settings have varied widely over the years. I’ve celebrated in some truly remarkable places. Once, I spent Thanksgiving in a castle—an experience that feels like a dream now. I’ve had a few overseas, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Italy. I’ve shared Thanksgiving meals with large groups, as many as sixty people gathered together, filling the room with laughter and stories. Other years, it was an intimate gathering of just three or four souls, huddled close and finding comfort in one another’s presence.

There was even a Thanksgiving where no turkey graced the table. But the absence of the traditional centerpiece didn’t diminish the holiday’s significance. What mattered most—what always matters most—was the company and the blessings we paused to acknowledge.

For me, those moments were deeply intertwined with the people around me. Quite a few of those people have since moved on. Some left due to the passage of time, others made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and, heartbreakingly, some lost their battles with their own demons. These absences have taught me a hard but essential truth: love people while you have them. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to express your care and appreciation, because the time you think you have can disappear in an instant.

Cherish the Present

Life is filled with differences—differences in belief, in politics, in religion. But these things pale in comparison to the value of human connection. When someone is gone, you won’t remember the debates you had; you’ll remember their laugh, the way they made you feel, and the memories you shared. Regrets in life are inevitable, but let’s not let our inability to embrace one another in love be among them.

I’ve carried this lesson with me, especially during Thanksgiving. Gratitude isn’t about the size of the feast, the perfection of the day, or the traditions we follow. It’s about being fully present and appreciating the people and blessings in our lives.

Be Thankful for the Everyday Heroes

Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices others have made so that you can enjoy your blessings. Be thankful for those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others—the military members and first responders who stand ready to act at a moment’s notice. Their courage and selflessness allow the rest of us to live in peace.

Be Thankful for Family

Family isn’t perfect. It never is. And yet, they are part of who we are. Even when they’ve caused pain, there is something to be grateful for—whether it’s the lessons they taught, the bonds that remain, or the moments that shaped us.

Be Thankful for Friends Who Become Family

Some friendships transcend the word “friend.” They become family, the ones we turn to in both joy and hardship. These relationships are a gift, a testament to the power of chosen connection.

Be Thankful for Life’s Simple Blessings

Finally, take time to appreciate the small yet profound gifts of life: the air filling your lungs, the steady rhythm of your heartbeat, the scents wafting from the kitchen, the taste of a meal lovingly prepared, the warmth of a hug, and the laughter shared across the table. These are the moments that make life beautiful, even in its imperfections.

A Final Thought

As I look back on all those Thanksgivings—whether spent in a castle, overseas, or with limited resources—I realize they weren’t defined by where I was or what I had. They were defined by who I was with and the gratitude I carried in my heart.

This Thanksgiving, let’s focus on what truly matters. Be present with those you love. Be thankful for what you have, and even for the challenges that have shaped you. Most of all, let’s honor the time we’re given and the people who make it meaningful.

Because when all is said and done, it’s not the turkey, the pie, or the football game we’ll remember—it’s the time we spent together. See you out there!