As far back as I can remember,  we have played what I call “The Thanksgiving Game” on Thanksgiving Day. When our children were young, they joined in with excitement and enthusiasm. As they reached their teenage years, when I mentioned “The Game,”  my husband and I were more likely to hear groans and see eye-rolls.  But we played and finished the game, even though I might have had to take extra turns.

Here’s how it works:  Usually around the dinner table, we start with the letter “A.” The person to start the game, states one thing they are thankful for that begins with the letter “A.” The 2nd person states what they are thankful for that begins with the letter “B.” And so on.

There were years when we knew how the game would go:  Apple, Balls, Cats, Dogs….

There were years, especially as our son grew, that there were super weird things added to the list. So strange I can’t recall them. Our son – the comedian, being feisty and funny.

Next week, we will be hosting our entire immediate family at our house. Our son’s family of 4, our daughter’s family of 4, and my father- and mother-in-law.  Add Rick and I, that’s 12 people. With 26 letters in the alphabet, each person only gets to share 2.6 things they are thankful for. 

Here are mine:

1. Did you read my previous blog post A Family Crisis and a Happy Ending?  I am happy and very thankful to give you a follow-up on this. Brian has been clean and sober since that fateful June 2016 day. He is off all prescribed medications and has been given a clean bill of mental health.  He is not bipolar, as he was diagnosed.  The drugs and alcohol were imitating bipolar symptoms, which caused the diagnosis. He and Melissa have handled the crisis with courage, faith, determination, and success.
2. Something I did not share with you is that our now 16-year-old grandson, Tyler (our daughter’s son) also was struggling with drug problems at the same time Brian was.  I am thankful to report that Tyler has conquered those problems and has been clean and sober since January 2nd of this year! He is back to being the sweet, funny, Tyler we used to know and missed so much.

(Genetics can play a part in the disease of alcoholism. If you have any concerns about you or a family member or friend, please seek help. This disease can be overcome!)

Now, since my last turn is only .6 of a turn, I will have to talk fast:  

a husband who supports and encourages me; the beautiful view from our yard where I can see God’s wonders; the ability to run a business that is also my passion; … and I could mention every family member with multiple things related to each one for which I am thankful, but I think that would take me well beyond my .6 turn.

You get the idea. I am thankful. And although I feel thankful during the year, it’s been good to sit down and set aside some special time to truly and seriously think about all of the things I am thankful for.

I wonder if I should start The Thanksgiving Game this year. Of course, I would start with the letter “A.” My answer would be:  “All of these things:… and then I could start listing them. Do you think I could get away with that being just one turn?