Happy Thanksgiving

With today being Thanksgiving Day in the USA, I want to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. No matter what part of the world you live in, I hope you will take time today to thank God for all the blessings in your life.

As you may know, I lost my dad earlier this year. I’m sure you can understand the heaviness of facing the holidays after losing a loved one. Of course I miss him and wish he could be here. However, I also know he is in a better place and I will see him again one day. This helps me face Thanksgiving with peace and love.

I also wanted to share a quick memory about my dad. I’m originally from New York, but I attended college in North Carolina. On one particular Thanksgiving during my college years, I had to fly home to make a visit to the orthodontist. Except for my dad, the rest of the family was in Florida where one of my grandmothers lived. My high school friends were planning on going to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and invited me along. When I mentioned this to my father he said it was up to me, and I could do whatever I wanted.

I asked, “Really? Whatever I want and you won’t mind?”

“No, I won’t mind,” he replied.

So I said, “Okay, I’d rather go to the parade with you.”

He probably didn’t see that coming and might have regretted his initial statement. 😂 We got up early, took the train into the city, enjoyed the parade, and then headed back home for a turkey dinner. It was a cold day, and we even had some snow flurries. I’m really grateful for that time we shared.

If you are missing loved ones today, try to hold onto the special memories that make you smile.

And no matter what your day looks like, or where you are in the world, remember all the blessings in your life.

“If you woke up this morning with more body parts that don’t hurt than those that do, you are blessed. If you have food, clothes, and a place to live, you are more secure than 75 percent of the world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or spare change at home, you are among the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthiest people. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world. If you read this message, you are more blessed than two billion people in the world who cannot read.” [1]

We have so much to be thankful for. Let us try to change our perspective. Instead of focusing on the negative, we can choose to focus on the positive. I know it takes practice, but it’s worth it.

Our Heavenly Father does so much for us, every single day. May we learn to stop and look around, and see God’s goodness in our lives. Every day is a gift from God!

One of the things I am grateful for today is all you. Thank you for being here and for walking by my side. I pray you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving!

© 2018-2025 Bridget A. Thomas. All rights reserved.

[1] The Power of Being Thankful by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2014 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

22 Comments on “Happy Thanksgiving

  1. God bless your Thanksgiving , Bridget.

    I lost my dad a year and a half ago. At 90, he was so ready to go. Like you, I look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven – as a Christian brother!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Kathy. Sending hugs to you. I hope you enjoyed your day. Our loved ones will always be in our hearts, no matter how long they are gone. But what a great reunion we will all have one day.

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  2. I know the sense of loss you are talking about, but also trust that my mom and dad are in a better place. Yes, holidays can be hard without loved ones who we dearly miss.
    I enjoyed the story about your dad. What a great memory, and a wonderful way to honor him!
    Happy Thanksgiving, sister Bridget. 🙏❤️

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    • Thank you, David. It doesn’t matter how much time passes; we will still miss them. But it helps knowing we have the hope of heaven and seeing them again… I really hope that you and your wife had a blessed Thanksgiving! 🦃

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  3. Amen 🙌

    Your memories of your dad is truly touching. Thank you for the reminder to hold onto the good, to see God’s blessings, and to choose gratitude even through the hard moments.

    Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving 🦃🍁

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    • Thank you, Willie. I’m glad this brought encouragement. What an incredible God we have. He really does bless us so much. I pray we can all learn to keep our eyes open for His goodness. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🍂🦃🍁

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  4. Happy Thanksgiving, Bridget! This was an encouraging post. You and your family are in my prayers as you face this day without your Dad. I am glad you have the many memories of his love. That’s what carries me through as well. Blessings, my friend ❤️

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    • Thank you, Dawn. Time keeps moving forward, but we will always miss our loved ones. Reflecting on the happy moments helps bring smiles instead of tears. Blessings to you too! I hope your Thanksgiving day was peaceful. ♥️

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