Imagine that you are living in a beautiful house with me.  We are just waking up after a long good night sleep.  Bea is in the kitchen pouring herself a bowl of Fruit Loops while Purity channel surfs for a Big Fat Gypsy Wedding show that she hasn’t seen.  You hear the hard wooden floors creak and you know big sister is up.  I make my way to the kitchen and make a batch of cinnamon rolls for us to eat for breakfast.  Of course, there is coffee and much talk of what we’ll do today: go horseback riding? Go see Monkingjay Part 2?  Go shopping with Grandma.  All the ideas sound great, but we must pick just one…

Bea and Purity look outside at the circle of trees and they remember how they almost hug our comfy little home. We are safe.  The fire in the fireplace cracks and you both find the need to pull away from it as it is a bit too warm.  The remnants of our S’mores making from the night before sit on the hearth: the one thing we need to clean up before we can start are adventure.  But the sweet smell of warm chocolate still lingers.

I am so thankful that you girls have been in my life.  I do not doubt that you will be again.  Family is a strong bond. A few holidays apart will not change my heart.  My heart is strong and I’m still holding onto you you.  Please remember as this season of gratitude approaches that I am so thankful for you both.  I love you.  Xxoo

My answer: Family.  You are apart of that group of people.  And don’t you forget it!