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Thanksgiving

Reader Contribution by Mel Boone
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This time of year brings back past memories of the holidays. As a kid, I knew that I was thankful for family, although it was in a way difficult for me to show it at times. My parents divorced when I was only 5 years old, so every year I experienced the same arguments of which parent would get me on which holiday. I would be glad to be with one, but on the inside, I would be sad to no be with the other.

I don’t remember being close to any of my family. Neither parent was really well off financially, so I always felt like I had this “I’m the poor kid” sign on my back. I do remember certain family members looking down their noses at me, although I’m not sure that they really realized it or not.

Being older now, I believe that you don’t have to be related by blood to consider someone as family. I have made some dear friends over the years that I care for so very much. It is those people who I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. They love and accept me for me and don’t expect me to change. I don’t think I could ever put into words what that means to me.

Thanksgiving day won’t be a big day for me. Just a small meal with a few people. Who knows, maybe we will forget the thanksgiving turkey this year and go to the Chinese restaurant instead. Saving the turkey for Christmas will be fine with me. I don’t mind doing something different.

Perhaps for dessert, I will make the pumpkin pie. Of course, if I use my grandmothers recipe, there will be bourbon in it. The secret ingredient that no one can identify but loves so much.

Photo by Getty Images/rez-art