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| Turkey, the grand centerpiece, ready to be attacked! |
This week I got to enjoy my first Thanksgiving at home since 2011! I can't believe I spent three Thanksgivings and Christmases in a row away from home. I didn't think I'd be able to stand it as those are my two favorite holidays, but over the years I suppose built a Teflon will, was able to focus on school and work, and by 2014, I had completely forgotten what the holiday season felt like in the States.
While I was living in Taiwan, my dad visited me twice and brought me frozen turkey from Thanksgiving both times. Nonetheless, as delicious as it was, it couldn't compare to sitting around the dinner table and having discussions with family and friends. And, of course, being thankful for all that we have. I had some great times in Taiwan, and some extremely dark times, especially during the past year. I think it's fair that I was throughly tested there, and it was a period of my life that encouraged me to grow up and reevaluate what and who are important to me.
On top of that, I dealt with chronic illness for most of this year. But I'm extremely lucky to have had people there to support, visit, and care for me, and to have a comfortable place to recuperate. I look forward to the time I can return the favor.
Especially in the climate of today, many are not as lucky. It's so easy to lament what you have and forget what you could be without. I can't believe I've made this much progress in under a year, and I'm extremely excited for what is coming up next! I'm thankful I had the strength, determination, and confidence to grab the opportunities in my hands!
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| The dessert spread with assorted teas. |
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| My first time wearing a traditional Nigerian costume in a while! |
Thanksgiving was a homey, comfortable affair, which is exactly what I like. We talked and talked, told old stories, laughed, cried, reminisced. We dreamt about the future, expressed thanks for our trials and tribulations, and were joyful as we imagined how great the near future will be. Smiles, tears, I'm happy for them all because without an amalgamation of sadness and triumph, how can you truly be grateful?
For all those who celebrate it, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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