Some people just don't realize how lucky they are. It is Thanksgiving weekend. They spend their days being "thankful" with huge family parties and get-togethers where there is food galore and love abound. They sit around a table with family and friends. Children and parents. Husbands and wives. Brothers and sisters. Grandparents. Aunts and uncles. Cousins. Friends. Brothers from other mothers. Boyfriends and girlfriends.
I spent my Thanksgiving afternoon with my Mom, Dad, and three siblings. That morning I saw my oldest friend/soon-to-be brother-in-law. But I did not see the smallest bit of the man I'm going to marry's face. I didn't get to talk to him. I sent him a text or two but did not get to hear from him until the next day because he had duty. On Thanksgiving. Because he's in the Navy. And that's the story of our life. A holiday comes up and he'll be on duty where he sits at work all day. I have no idea what goes on during that work day. It's all classified stuff and/or stuff he doesn't want to talk about when he finally gets to talk to me. But I know it isn't exactly a wonderful way to spend a day. Much less a holiday where normally you'd be surrounded with loved ones.
He was not surrounded by loved ones. He was at work. With people he cares about, perhaps, but I somehow doubt it even crossed his mind that it was Thanksgiving. I talked to him Friday. He had been watching football all day. But we didn't talk about Thanksgiving.
I didn't get to see him on Thursday. Not even talk to him. And I see people all over being angry at their significant other for some silly little reason over the holidays. He forgot to put the lights up when he said he would. She didn't bake my favorite pie. He doesn't cut the turkey the way I like. She made us late again.
Is it really that big of a deal? He or she has elected to spend this holiday with you. You are so special to them that they are spending a family holiday with YOU. You are important to them. YOU are their family now. YOU are the reason they wake up and smile each morning. YOU make the bad days good and the good days better. YOU are their life and love. Doesn't that make you smile?
This is the time of year when you are supposed to be thankful for all you have. You are reading this on a computer screen... or maybe even cell phone screen... so you can't be that bad off.
Stop worrying over the little things. Overlook the little accidents and incidents. That's all they are: accidents and incidents. They won't happen all the time. They weren't intentional. It's ok. Look around you and think about how wonderfully blessed you are. It's gonna be alright. It's Christmas-time. Smile.
