Gratitude and Humbleness Are Just Two Words of Many to Describe How I Feel During the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is such a special time for my family and I, so we are sure to take the opportunity to have family gatherings with grandparents, cousins, and significant others. To me, it is habitual to be a part of large dinner gatherings - truly like what you see in some Hallmark movies.

Years ago, I remember sitting in a church pew in our very small town, right before Thanksgiving. A family, new to our community due to a military move, was visiting for the first time. For whatever reason, it dawned on me that they would most likely be spending Thanksgiving alone, not knowing many (if anyone) in the area because of their recent arrival. 

I sat through that entire church sermon, and thereafter, being quite bothered knowing they had “no one” to share Thanksgiving with. I demanded that my mom invite them to our Thanksgiving dinner - I was not going to sleep knowing that they may not have family or friends to share the holiday with. My mom thought I was crazy, and I know the family was caught off guard, but very appreciative of the gesture when we extended an invite to dinner. 

Fast forward to Thanksgiving Day, and the family did in fact join us. And to this day, they are still close family friends of ours!

When my husband and I got married, I “married” the army - which means, I moved thousands of miles away from home, of course, it happened right before Thanksgiving. I would not be with my family for dinner for the first time in 20 years. 20 YEARS of tradition, spending time with my family and friends, enjoying an amazing dinner, and sharing so many memories.

I was heartbroken. I cried. And I thought to myself “How absolutely unfair!” ... But I quickly realized that there were so many others that were in the same position. Newly moved military families and young couples (as well as single soldiers) who are thousands of miles away from home. We quickly acted on the opportunity to be that Thanksgiving dinner “host” family. 

For the past 5 years, we have had the joy of inviting soldiers into our home to sit around the table. My husband and I are sure to prepare probably more food than an average family cooks; but only to be sure that soldiers who have no place to go, feel comfortable and have a very full belly when they leave for the night. 

The laughter, the companionship, and the gratitude we share with those who join us are something very special. My joy and passion come from serving others; so, sharing our Thanksgiving meal may seem “small” to others, but the smiles and laughter I get to share is a feeling that is unexplainable.