Today is a day for slowing down. And cranberry sauce, loud Italians, flowing drinks, reminiscing, stuffing, turkey, children screaming in laughter, and new memories to be made. A day for fat pants, napping and traveling. 

Today is a day to be thankful.

Today I am thankful God finds me worthy enough to consider bestowing blessings upon me. I’m thankful to be a mother. I’m thankful that I am Dan’s wife. I’m grateful to belong to a great family. My sister is my best friend, and my brother and I, we love eachother so much it sometimes gets complicated, but that’s ok because we always find a way to make things right. Special shoutout to my brothers new wife: I love you. You’re gentle and wonderful and funny and you’ve made him so happy. Your beautiful spirit comes out everytime you speak. I’m happy you’re a Costanza, Whitney ❤️  I’m thankful that my parents met up almost 40 years ago and never looked back. The beautiful life they have built, and the legacy that they are still building, that I’m a part of, makes me proud. To witness a rare love, one where two parents stay together is truly inspiring and I’m thankful for their story. It’s taught me how to be a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. 

I’m thankful for my in laws. The loudest and biggest group of people I get to have so close to me is truly a gift I never thought about receiving. Hanging out with them is like being in a small gang, not to mention the number of cousins Mav has to love and laugh with and spend days like today running the floors of his aunt’s house we will gather at later. That makes me so happy and makes me miss my cousin so much. I’m thankful Mav has this great sense of family. It makes traditions so much more special. 

Im thankful for my forever friends. And new friends who I know will be around for the run of it all. To my friends who moved away, I wish I could hug you every day. You’re still such a special part of my life and I’m happy to have you. My friends near to me, thank you for being kind, generous, and loving me and my family. Friends like you are an extension of my blood, and for that I am forever happy. 

I’m thankful for my husband. He is strong and sweet, steady and loving. (That’s why he’s allowed out to hunt on this morning while Mav and I stay back and eat cookies for breakfast and watch the thanksgiving day parade.) He deserves my love. I’m thankful for our marriage and the commitment we made to make this relationship thrive.

I want my heart to always beat to the sound of lollipops and sunshine. I want to be a thankful person all the time. I want everyone to know that if you’re reading this, you’ve touched me. And I hope I’ve touched you back. The wonderful thing about this great big world is the good people in it. They are far and few, and it takes some time to find the ones you’ll call your family, your friends. I’m thankful to do what I do in this life. I’m thankful for all that I have.

From my family, to yours – happy, happy thanksgiving. Be the one to hug a little longer when you leave your loved ones today. And remember to light a candle for the ones who are visiting the table today from up above. Love and warm light to you all ✨

Thanksgiving is a lifestyle, not just a day 🤗