Thanksgiving this year came with a different kind of weight. I woke up in that state: the one where my body says, “Not today… bed only.”
But the holiday didn’t care, and neither did the people I love. They were coming. I wanted so badly to be the hostess with the mostess… yet all I could really offer was: I’ll show up. (oh and make some butternut squash in my WONDROUS oven)
And maybe that was enough.
Thank God for Doug.
Truly.
He took over the turkey like an absolute champ: carving, basting, making gravy.. He never made it feel like a burden.
He also bought me the most gorgeous sunflowers, bright and golden in the center of the table, almost like they were cheering me on: You’ve got this. One moment at a time.
Tatum helped me with the table; together we set the table with autumn plates, plaid napkins, and our gratitude jar filled with the questions she helped cut, fold, and tuck inside.
She wished there were more kids around, but she smiled anyway. Coopy was ready for guests by waiting by the door, and Ollie was ready to see our family.
Austin arrived before I was ready, but honestly?
It was fine. More than fine.
He got time with Doug, and I got a moment to breathe, gather myself, and shake off the pressure to be “on.”
Then my mom came. Sweet as always. She brought whipped cream… but forgot the pie.
Austin, once again to the rescue, ran to Fry’s (thankfully open) and saved dessert. We laughed about it, because what else can you do?
So it was time to take PICS by the tree! My mom is so pretty. She loves Tot so much. It’s so easy to ADORE OUR KIDS! Here I get to be with both.
And then my honey. He looks so good! He’s been losing a few pounds and he really is feeling better I believe!
TIME TO EAT!!
Taties wanted Ollie to join. Coopy, you don’t get to, SAWY!
By the time we all sat down, Mom smiling across the table, Tatum standing on her toes behind us, and Austin ready to dig in…I realized:
It didn’t matter that I wasn’t at 100%.
It didn’t matter that the sides were “easy” and that Doug did most of the heavy lifting.
It didn’t matter that I couldn’t be the hostess I envisioned.
What mattered was that we were there.
Together.
Grateful for each other.
Grateful for the day, even if it wasn’t perfect.
Grateful for God’s grace in the middle of weakness.
We enjoyed our question strips which prompted some nice convos.
With help, love, and laughter it turned into a really beautiful Thanksgiving.
A quiet one.
A simple one.
But a good one.
Thank you, Jesus for my family.