Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a place in the heart. In order to show love and establish peace, the feeling (and expression of) gratitude is essential. I have much to be thankful for this year, even though my precious mother is no longer here to share in this amazing holiday anymore.

Thanksgiving was always about FAMILY when I grew up. Sure, it was about food too, of course, but the food was just a symbol of the bounty we felt from being part of a family. It was a tremendous day for celebrating all that Heavenly Father had blessed us with.

In Eastern Idaho, where I grew up, winters were cold. Dad set the apple cider (in the gallon sized glass jugs) out in the snow. By the time we ate that afternoon, the cider was slushy, cold, crisp, and delicious. Additionally, each year our parents came to each child (all eight of us) and asked what special food we wanted included in the feast. One year, all I wanted was REAL whipped cream; and it was there!

I miss my Mom. She was the sparkle, the glow, the ba-da-boom in our family. She was funny, smart, loving, and energetic. Since she is gone, the family traditions must be altered a bit to accommodate the huge space she left behind.

There will never be another holiday the same.

Yet, my gratitude for her life, and my life, and her example affecting my life is bounteous.

Happy Thanksgiving, Mom.