Being Thankful

Though this Thanksgiving looks a little different than most, being thankful for our lives is still the focus.

This year our turkeys are smaller. Our gatherings are more intimate. And many of us are longing for Thanksgivings past with extended families crossing the miles and grandmothers cooking up food fit for a small army.

But this year, as we seek to protect those same grandmothers from this dreaded virus, we will still celebrate. Though the dishes may be fewer and we may contact far flung loved ones via Facetime or Zoom, there is still thanks to give and turkey to eat.

Thankful for my Family

Of course I am thankful for my immediate family. My husband supports me in my life and in helping out with this blog. He’s my technical advisor. And I am thankful for all three of my girls. They have been the greatest source of joy in my life and now regularly help with FindingOhio as well. And I’d be remiss to not mention Pumpkin, our golden doodle. He has really been there to relieve the symptoms of our empty nest.

Thankful for Parents

Though my father passed this year and my mother passed four years ago, I am thankful for the upbringing I had and that they cared to give me such a good start in life. I am thankful for dinners on the table, a helping hand when I moved from one apartment to the next in my twenties, all the games they attended, bike rides, and more.

Likewise my step-father passed away a few years ago. I am thankful he was such a good friend and an amazing grandpa to my three girls. I am thankful for the memories he helped create, as he was always there for our crazy day trips and fantastically themed birthday parties.

My step-mother is alive and well. I am so glad that my dad met her. She made him very happy and for that alone I am thankful. Additionally, she has been a great friend and amazing Nana to my children. Over the years we’ve enjoyed visiting them in Nevada, Ohio, and Florida many times. It’s always been a great experience for the girls and a really enjoyable trip for myself and my husband.

I am thankful for my in-laws. There are so many horrific mother-in-law stories out there and I am happy to say that mine is not one of them.

Thankful for Extended Family

My extended family is a blessing. For my entire life I have been surrounded by wonderful grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I am thankful for all the warm memories. And I am thankful, that in the absence of my mother, I can still pick up the phone and call one of my aunts for advice or just to help me remember stories from their childhoods.

Thankful for Purpose

I am thankful for my job because it not only allows me to provide for my family, but allows me to do meaningful work and genuinely help people. Knowing I have a purpose is one of the greatest blessings. It means so much to feel useful and necessary.

Thankful for Life in Ohio

And lastly, I am thankful that I live in the great state of Ohio and that I am able to share a bit of my Ohio experience with you, my readers. Thank you for being here and FindingOhio with me.

If you haven’t already, take a look around. Looking for a new place to eat? Check out our restaurant reviews. Looking for an adventure? Check out Ohio day trips. Or if you’re thinking of staying home and looking for something delicious to cook, try our recipe section. There’s something here for everyone. And if you like what you see, we always appreciate you sharing our content on social media.