I am Thankfull for all the below and more — This list is in no particular order — which, is actually how I think! 😉

Here We Go…

🦃My Father-in-law survived his medical crisis and is on the road to recovery and his family surrounded him 24/7. A lot of togetherness, like “a lot,” but every moment felt meaningful and healing for all of us!

A family gathers around a smiling elderly man in a hospital bed, showing support and love.
NOT US!!!!

✈️I got on a plane and survived to write this sentence and to Mitch, who consistently tells me I overpack!

A chaotic pile of colorful clothing and accessories spilling out of various suitcases, representing the challenge of packing for travel.

🦃Our kids fought over who was going to host us for Thanksgivingyes, it got complicated, but geez— To Quote Sally Field – “They like us, They like us!

🍴My daughter asked to borrow my fancy silverware — YAY! There is a chance it will not show up on eBay one of these days!

🦃Jessica had visitors — every day while we were away— and as we Facetimed in a restaurant, she hummed the Star Spangled Banner to the delight (?) of the other people in the restaurant and me. 

Jessica
Loving FaceTime with Jessica

🦃Mike, who watches our dog and refuses any compensation! We keep trying to find the magic gift, but his gift is truly our dog Gus. And,Tova and Mark, who feel the same way about GusI wish we had found this much enthusiasm when our kids needed babysitting back in the day. 

💖Mitch and I still feel like a loving team after 45 years- 11 months- 3 weeks- and 4 days of marriage and we not only love each other, but also like each other— Most of the time!

A couple happily dancing together at their wedding, dressed in formal attire with the bride in a white lace gown and the groom in a tuxedo.

🏈🀄That I play and understand (to a point) fantasy football — and Mahjong

✌️I have the right to change my voting registration to say I don’t want to be affiliated with any party!and I did it!

📔Grateful for my book and blog readers who are not only friends and familylike people I have never met! Thank you!

🍨Chocolate ice cream, Tofurky and Chardonnay, not necessarily at the same time—”Not that there’s anything wrong with that!

A glass of red wine alongside a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream, set against a blurred background.

🏃‍♂️That I am still participating in the Turkey Trot with my kids and grandson—The oldest foot race in the world, and it’s here in Buffalo! I am beginning to become one of the oldest participants – but not yet…

A group selfie at a Turkey Trot event, featuring two adults and a boy, all smiling in athletic gear. The background showcases people participating in the race and a city building.
TURKEY TROT 2024

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Family and Friends who feel like family, my readers— and YOU!

🦃That I can say Happy Thanksgiving to my Wonderful Dad — He’s reading this so, “Happy Thanksgiving, Dad – I am Thankful for you!”

A smiling couple takes a selfie, sitting close together with a warm backdrop.
OLD PHOTO!

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all and thank you for inspiring me to continue writing even when I feel like putting my pen down (actually, it’s more of fingers and keyboards and complicated internet thingies but you get the picture! May your turkey or Tofurkey be tender, your family be kind of calm, and your joy loud!

With ThankFULLness, gratitude and appreciation, Vickie

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For inspiring stories about Raising a Child with a Rare Chromosome Deletion, check out 3-time award-winning memoir,  Raising Jess: A Story of Hope!

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Calling All Book Clubs! 

Have you read Raising Jess: A Story of Hope? I’d love to join your book club for an engaging, heartfelt discussion.

We can talk about the real-life moments behind the pages, parenting a child with a rare chromosome deletion, the challenges and joys our family has faced, and the journey that inspired the book.