Change Is Good

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It has been for many years. I can close my eyes and I'm back at grandma's table; the smell of the feast cooking mingling with the aroma of fresh made pies cooling on the counter. The commotion of cousins playing on the floor at the feet of grandpa's big chair. Mom, grandma and the aunties in the kitchen. Football and the seasonal first appearance of the big nutcracker in the living room. And the food, so much food; turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, rolls and butter. And the pies, so many pies; pumpkin, apple, mince, berry and grandma's famous chocolate cream under mounds of whipped cream.

Theses are the memories etched into my very existence.

This year the question I must ask myself, five months post surgery, is Thanksgiving still the Thanksgiving I know and love without the gluttony and excess? Can I enjoy the main meal of the year strategically? Only so much food is going on my salad plate, I must plan carefully and not waste a single bite.

Starting tomorrow, my goal is for family, friends and fellowship to trump food. I can't deny the place food has been in my life, but looking ahead I want change. I need change. I want my life to be about the people and experiences that are important to me and less about the meal.

Change is good.

From the bottom of my heart, Happy Thanksgiving.