‘Tis the season for the giving of thanks. Some people at their family gatherings go around the table and tell exactly what they are thankful for. We’ve done it many times with my own family but yesterday, on Thanksgiving, as we congregated around in my grandmother’s dining room, we began the meal with a poignant and relevant proclamation by Abraham Lincoln from October 3, 1863.

On this day with this speech, President Lincoln set the precedent for the national holiday of Thanksgiving. 

In the words of our sixteenth president, he invites all the citizens of the United States, on this land, out to sea or in foreign lands, to reserve the last Thursday in November as a day to give thanks for all that we have in this country and to give thanks to a higher power, without whom none of this would be possible. President Lincoln asked us to offer ascriptions that are rightfully due for the blessings we receive and to ask the help of that higher power to preserve the peace, harmony, tranquility and union of this nation.

Since I didn’t get to verbally express this thanks that Lincoln so clearly described 145 years ago, I will do so now.

I am very, very, very thankful for…

…the roof over my head and the heater that now works.

…the car that gets me where I need to go, because I know how it is to not have that luxury.

…this city that I have grown up in, even with all its ups and downs. It is part of who I am.

…my dance studio that has been a pillar of importance.

…my incredible job that keeps me on my toes and laughter in my heart. A true blessing.

…my AMAZING co-workers, who are less like co-workers as they are a wonderful and wacky and talented and kind-hearted extended family.

…my best friends who have grown with me, and better yet put up with me, over these many years…Bridg, Jenn, Spivey, Farrell, Mashi, Buzzy…

…my partner in crime, my K-girl Kendall

…and last but most definitely not and will never be least, my family. They make me make sense. They are my roots and my future. I am forever indebted to them for everything I have in my life. And for my life at all.

kat.berry.