I thank God nearly every day for the gift of having Shawna living 5 minutes away from me and for the amount of precious time I get to spend with her.  I try pretty diligently not to take that blessing for granted. So I clearly wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. I wouldn't. But I still find myself as Thanksgiving nears each year observing the gathering cars and family of others not so fortunate and befuddled by the envy I feel. I suppose, after all, I do in fact take it for granted or I wouldn't feel like I'm missing out on all the excitement and anticipation of seeing loved ones for maybe the first time all year, if not longer. I'm a silly girl. Like someone wishing they were sick so they could get presents or something as imbalanced as that. This year, however, for reasons unknown this side of the tapestry, just about everyone on my maternal side of the family is rolling into town for Thanksgiving. People who haven't assembled in 30 years or so all at once. Counting funerals. And weddings. So I'm excited. Really excited. Not as excited about gathering in a fellowship hall in lieu of a cozy, crowded home, but the mental benefits and clean up should be easier on all involved. 

Several of my cousins on their way are notorious for their humor. I have a little of my own. Cue the laughter. Cue the countdown. And envy be gone...