Happy Thanksgiving
The turkey is carved, the wine is poured, the “fixings” are prepared, and I’m about to sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with my family. It’s been a challenging week. I’ve had deadlines to meet, a cold to conquer and an apartment to pack. I’ve had to say goodbye to some of the people in my life who have meant the most to me in Rochester, who’ve stood by me in through thick and thin and really who’ve become my family. And my typical 5 hour trip to my mom’s turned into a 7 hour journey in a Uhaul last night as I drove everything I own across the state. We close our eyes to pray. Mom gives thanks for the food and having her children home to celebrate. My brother, Tim, is glad for some time away from the hassles of everyday life. I am in a giddy mood and start to joke, but as I begin speaking, my heart swells with genuine gratitude for all that I have been given.
I am thankful today for my health and for safe travels in the midst of yesterday’s traffic. I’m thankful to have an extravagant meal in front of me and to be sharing it with family. I’m thankful to Mom for taking such joy in preparing our feast, and to Tim, who energetically helped me unload the Uhaul earlier in the day. To even have boxes of clothes, books and possessions to unpack makes me so very grateful. I think of my friends Stevi & Matt Savage spending their holiday in India and wonder what kind of dinner they must be eating. I reflect on just how little those they are spending time with have, and I realize how blessed I am.
I’m thankful today to have so many extraordinary people in my life- that I even have friends to love and miss in Rochester, beloved friends across the country periodically checking in on my adventure, and friends in Chicago who will soon become my new community of loved ones. I think of how those I care about have rallied around me in my journey these last several years and I’m filled with joy. I am thankful for the opportunities that have come my way this year, the amazing people I have met, the incredible places I have traveled, and for the unlimited possibilities that lie ahead of me.
Hours later after having spent the day relaxing, watching football, wishing others a Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoying dessert I’m still counting my blessings. Today, I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful to have another day to laugh, to breathe fresh air and to celebrate beauty in my life.
And because I have a thing for bridges, I am thankful to have snapped this one last photo of the Rochester skyline the night before I left:
Tomorrow I’ll be celebrating Black Friday style by hitting the stores. But stay tuned for much anticipated Italy images to be posted soon!
Tags: Chicago Photographer, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, New York, Photography, Rochester, Thanksgiving
Jenn such an awesome post. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family and be careful out there @ the shoppes!
That was beautiful JeNN! It made me realize all the things I may have been taking for granted lately. Thank you!! I love you and will miss you now that you’re gone. I guess that is something to be grateful for, though. I’m so lucky to have met you and be a part of your life. I have to admit, for selfish reasons I want you back here, but you are being that strong girl I always saw in you. I’m so proud! I look forward to our visit to Chicago, whenever that might be:)
Take care of yourself.
XOXOXO Joie
Thanks Danny!! It was brutal in the parking lots, let me tell you! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving to you as well my friend! Hope I get to see you next week! HUGS!!!!!
Joie, that means so very much coming from you. YOU are one of the friends I am *most* thankful for. You have been such a source of strength and encouragement to me these last few years, and I cry tears of joy (and laugh giddily!) when I think of you. You have grown to mean so very much to me, Joie. I feel so very blessed that our paths crossed and we became a part of each other’s lives. I miss you so much already but know we will always be close. Can’t wait till you come see me in Chi town!! I love you!!!! xoxoxoxoxo!