Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday (the endless pumpkin pie and homemade stuffing may have something to do with that). :) I always look forward to traveling home to the good ol' Sonnyfarm and spending time with my family. This year has been a little different than previous ones. Accordion music did not ring throughout the house. Fox News did not blare from dawn to dusk. There wasn't even food with questionable ingredients on the table. This year, we were missing one very special person...Dad.
Our first Thanksgiving without our family patriarch proved to be a challenge. Before dinner, we went around the table sharing with the family what we were most thankful for. During this emotional time, our father made his presence known. Each one of us were touched by his sweet spirit that helped reinforce the mutual love our family shares. In a letter Dad wrote for Mom in 1981, referencing a pet sparrow who tragically died, Dad wrote, "It wasn't until Muffin's untimely death that we began to recognize the full and far-reaching effect he had on all of our lives." How very true this statement is. Dad's death was indeed untimely; however, his everlasting influence and effect on our lives is felt more and more everyday. This Thanksgiving, I'm am most thankful for Dad.
I am also thankful for a wonderful, loving Mother who's perseverance in living the gospel of Jesus Christ is steadfast. Her example brings our family closer together. I am also thankful for my job, which I love most days. The opportunity to share my love of music with others doesn't even seem like a job sometimes. I am thankful for a great place to live, a car that gets good gas mileage, and hobbies that allow me to become disconnected from the hustle and bustle of life. This year, I am especially thankful for a very new addition to my life, my girlfriend, Katie (She is so going to kill me for this). Despite living hours away, this beautiful blonde brings much happiness into my life and many smiles to my face.
Most of all, I am thankful for the true knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I continue to grow through study, trials, and life experiences, the simplicity and surety of His plan makes more and more logical sense. I know that our Savior did indeed make the ultimate sacrifice so we may have a way to overcome the natural man and return to our Father's kingdom. I know our God is a loving God who cares for each and everyone of his children. Through his Plan of Salvation, my favorite part, I know I will live with my Dad and my family again for eternity.
This Thanksgiving, these are the things I am thankful for...
