Memories of Warm Gravy on Leftover Turkey

I find many comforts of heart and spirit throughout my life. My memories are like warm gravy on Thanksgiving feast leftovers. Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a lukewarm way of expressing my fondness of them - gravy can be warming and comforting, both literally and figuratively. It can blanket the soul with reassurance and make everything taste better too. I absolutely love leftover, turkey sandwiches on dinner rolls with stuffing, sweet potatoes, and steaming gravy ladled generously.

I also love the memories of sharing turkey day leftovers with friends and family. There have been many insightful conversations and warm cuddles over a midnight snack. These times are best for reflecting together on what you're most thankful for.

This year, I'm thankful for being in love and being loved. I have a wonderful family that has overcome many great obstacles in the past two years. We have had moments of frustration, sadness, laughter, joy, and anger like most. Yet, through these challenges, our love has grown even stronger.

I am grateful to be home with my children. They are my focus and I am very fortunate to have this time with them. My youngest son, only a year and a half this December, requires lots of extra attention and I've forgiven myself for not getting more aggressive with my freelance business. I never thought I'd feel this way, but the job of stay-at-home Mother is the hardest I've ever known. You can't fire your employees for doing poor quality work, you never get a raise, there's way too much overtime, and somehow there's a part that's inherently rewarding.

I am lucky to have many great friends. After relocating to California it's been tough settling in, but my closest friends are always there for me no matter how far live geographically. I'm very blessed to have friends that I can say I love and mean that so deeply - they are embedded in my heart and always will be.

We are living in a world, where people still dream: Even if only small whispers in the night from women whispering their daydream fantasies to husbands or lovers from their bed. Going on until their husband begs goodnight, like mine does and snuggling into the covers to lie in bed each night dreaming of the future and the life we're building each day. Nothing else matters but love and its strong presence in my life.