Thanksgiving Family Gatherings

Around the table, someone will say 'what are you thankful for?' And your throat will close. Because the truest answer is the one you cannot say out loud at this table. 🤍 You are allowed to skip the gratitude round. 🤍 You are allowed to leave early. 🤍 You can be grateful AND grieving in the same breath. Thanksgiving asks you to count blessings while you're still counting losses. That is a heavy spiritual ask. The world doesn't see it. You do. 🕊️ The mother who quietly says 'my baby' when it's her turn is honoring. 🕊️ The mother who says 'I'd rather pass' is honoring. 🕊️ The mother who eats dinner alone in her car is honoring. 🕊️ The mother who hosts the whole meal so she has something to do is honoring. Whatever your way is today, it is enough. If you go: bring an exit plan. Sit near the door. Step outside between courses. Cry in the bathroom with the fan on. Drive yourself if you can. If you don't go: send a soft note. 'I love you all. Today is too tender for me. Save me a slice of pie.' And at some point today, light a candle for them. In a corner of the kitchen. On the windowsill. In your heart while everyone is talking. Whisper their name into the meal. They belong at this table. They always will.