ON THIS NATIONAL day of Thanksgiving, I realize that gratitude may feel elusive.
Perhaps you are mourning the loss of a loved one, grief shadowing your thoughts. Perhaps a loved one is seriously ill, near death. Maybe you are struggling with new or ongoing health issues. If this describes your situation, I’m sorry. Holidays like today, focused on family, can be hard, really hard.
We’ve all had those years when we’d rather skip the holiday for all the pain it brings.
But within and over and under and through and beside and between, gratitude can still find a way into our hearts. In photos. In memories. In a phone call or a text or a video chat. In time together, whether in-person or virtually. In a prayer offered. In a prayer received.
This Thanksgiving, I give thanks for you. For your support of my creative work. For the connections we’ve made, the friendships formed. For being part of my world. I value you. I count you among my reasons to give thanks, especially today.
A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, dearest readers of Minnesota Prairie Roots!
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
❤️
Thank you Audrey for sharing your gifts with us! I always look forward to your posts and enjoy your perspective and your huge heart! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thank you, Brenda. I am so thankful for our friendship. From your native MN to CT, a blessed Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family!
Happy Thanksgiving Audrey. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Judy! I wish the same for you.
Thank you for sharing your writing, and your photos with us, I really enjoy your creative work.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Thank you, Valerie.
Happy Thanksgiving, Audrey…thank you for picturing what I can no longer get to, telling their stories, reminding us of all our blessings. Thanksgiving services have always been my favorite, not having to struggle with snow, an extra blessing!
Thank you, Sandra. No snow this year does make travel much better.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I did, Jackie. Time with Amber and family and with Marc’s family was wonderful.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving. Thankful for YOU!
Thank you, Beth Ann.
Thankful for you, Audrey.
Thank you, dear friend.