Introduction: When Life Throws You a Curveball
Listen, I’m just going to say it—this Thanksgiving had me all the way in my feelings. Growing up in a big family with six siblings, Thanksgiving was always a beautiful mess. Loud laughter, side-eye shade, hugs so tight they cracked your ribs—that was Thanksgiving for me. But this year? This year was different.
It was just me, my daughter, and my mother.
At first, I felt hurt. Angry, even. Like, “What do you mean everyone is off with their in-laws? We’re the ones who have always held it down!” I almost let the sadness swallow me whole. I was so focused on who wasn’t there that I almost missed the people who were. And then, like a slap in the face, I remembered what Thanksgiving is really about. It’s not about the numbers—it’s about the love.
Adjusting to the Shift: From Chaos to Calm
Let me keep it real—this year was hard. Losing my father earlier in the year left a hole in our family, and I felt his absence more than ever during the holidays. The silence in the house hit me like a ton of bricks. It didn’t feel like Thanksgiving without the noise, the jokes, the life.
But then, I caught myself. Thanksgiving isn’t just about who’s there. It’s about what you create with the ones who are. My daughter—my sweet, vibrant baby girl—was right there with me, looking to me for love, joy, and stability. My mother, our rock, was still standing tall, even after a year of unimaginable loss.
And that’s when it hit me: Thanksgiving is about celebrating the love we have, no matter how it shows up.
The Power of Perspective: Finding the Good in the Hard Times
Let me tell you, I almost let my anger steal my gratitude. I was so mad about feeling “abandoned” that I nearly missed the beauty of what was right in front of me.
Here’s what I learned this Thanksgiving:
- It’s Not About the Noise, It’s About the Love
A quiet house doesn’t mean an empty home. My daughter’s laughter, my mom’s wisdom—that was more than enough. - Stop Counting Seats, Start Counting Blessings
Yes, I missed my siblings. Yes, I missed my dad. But I had the people I love most still with me, and that’s something to celebrate. - Create the Joy You Want to Feel
My daughter and I cooked my dad’s favorite dish together. We danced in the kitchen like nobody was watching. And for the first time that day, my heart felt full. - Gratitude is a Muscle—Use It or Lose It
I had to remind myself that gratitude isn’t about what’s missing; it’s about what’s present. And even in loss, there’s so much to be thankful for.
What Thanksgiving Really Means
Thanksgiving, for me, is about life, love, and the messy, beautiful chaos that makes family what it is. It’s about celebrating the ones who are still here while honoring the ones we’ve lost. It’s about having a home filled with love, support, correction when needed, and enough laughter to make your cheeks hurt.
This year, I almost let the hurt win. But when I looked at my daughter and my mother, I realized Thanksgiving isn’t something you have. It’s something you create.
Closing Thoughts: A New Kind of Full
If you’ve ever had to adjust from a big, bustling family to a smaller, quieter circle, let me tell you something: You’re not alone. It’s okay to grieve what’s different, but don’t let it overshadow the beauty of what remains. This Thanksgiving, I found myself feeling grateful—not for the crowd I didn’t have but for the love that was still present.
We can’t always control what life takes from us, but we can choose how we show up for what’s still here. This year, I chose love.
Now it’s your turn. What did you choose this Thanksgiving? Share your story in the comments, and let’s keep this gratitude train going.
Call to Action:
Tag someone who made your Thanksgiving special or share this post with someone who needs a reminder that love comes in all shapes and sizes—big families, small circles, and everything in between.
