Today is the day that we all come together and "officially" give Thanks. Thanks for what we have and for those who share it with us. Thanks for what we have lost, but in turn, what made a difference in our lives. And Thanks for Life itself...

We all have a story to tell. That of love and loss, of good and difficult times, of those who helped us in times of need and those to whom we wish to give back. I am no different.

As I reflect upon these past years and especially the last six months, I have so much to be thankful and grateful for. Yes. Our family suffered a horrific loss for which we are trying our best to come to terms with...not unlike many of you. But as painful as these times are and have been, I thank God each and every day for having allowed us the privilege of having Jessica in our lives. She gave us so much and made our lives richer by just being in them. She taught us many life lessons, especially during her illness, which have enabled us to become a better person. She gave her love freely expecting nothing in return...and as I sit here in tears, missing her all with all my heart, I am reminded of everyone who has helped me in my attempts to find that "new normal" and I wish to thank you all for that. Friends and family have come forward to help me through this journey and strangers have given me encouragement and support, many of whom have traveled this road themselves.

So as you gather today with your friends and family, look around at each and every person at your dinner table and and thank God for all your blessings... No one knows what tomorrow will bring, so be grateful for today and for those who love you and share your life with you. And as I do this myself today, know that I think of each and every one of you...and with that thought a prayer of thanks will be said...