Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who is celebrating this year.

For some of us, this isn’t the easiest of Thanksgiving celebrations. We’re still in shock after the election, and fearful of the years ahead. But, we’ll muddle through, and find our strength again.

I have so much to be thankful for. This is my second Thanksgiving since I moved home to Ohio. It’s so easy to get to my sister’s for the day. She’s only fifteen minutes from my home. And, her husband is the family cook, a man who is happiest when he can cram as many family and friends around his table as possible, and feed them all. As much as I love all the food at Thanksgiving, I’m really grateful for a family who enjoys being together, and a brother-in-law who welcomes all of us with love.

I’m grateful for my family, and the laughter we share when we get together throughout the year. I know not everyone has that kind of family, and I wasn’t around to appreciate it for many years. Now, I’m truly thankful that I have the opportunity to be with my Mom, my sisters, and their families.

And, I’m so thankful for all of you, the book community we’ve built here at Lesa’s Book Critiques. I love our Thursdays together, or our other days if we switch up. I’m grateful for our book chats that become chats about television, and shows and music events and weather and illnesses and life. Thank you for sharing your moments with all of us.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, with friends, family, good books, and good food (stuffing!!) I’m thankful you’re all part of my life.

And, as my favorite columnist, Connie Schultz says, ” If this is hard week for you, may the day land gently.”