Thanksgiving

Ben and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful to live close to my parents. It's been years since I've been close to them. I know it won't last long, but I'm so thankful for it while it lasts.
The weeks leading up to thanksgiving had been full and difficult, so the break was much welcomed. I had originally made all sorts of plans for our trip, but in the end, we really didn't do too much. We slept in, hung out with my little brother (who is the coolest 16 year old ever), played games, went to an NHL game in Buffalo, saw the show Jersey Boys, went to lunch with my best friend from high school, and just relaxed. There were also at least three trips to Tim Hortons, lots of turkey dinner lefts overs, and plenty of Christmas cookie decorating.

While in Toronto I was reminded of my love of Canada. I love and appreciate America and the wonderful and free country it is, but when we cross the border into Canada, I honestly feel like I'm home. Feelings of patriotism and loyalty to a country are so personal, and for me at least, emotional as well. Going home brings back so many memories and emotions. I truly am so grateful for my heritage and the wonderful country of Canada.

At the Sabres hockey game

Eating our hideous cookie creations

At Jorgen's hockey game

With the recent tragic death of my 18 year old cousin I've spent a lot of time questioning and reflecting upon what matters to me in life; not what I say matters, but what really matters. I think it is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of our everyday schedules and miss so much of what is important. In the end, family is really all that matters. That's basically it. It's so obvious, it's hard to believe I kind of forget that at times.
As I have felt such pain and sadness these past few weeks I have found comfort in the relationships that lie within my family and have been reminded of the importance of strengthening and appreciating these relationships. Spending Thanksgiving at home was a small reminder of how lucky I am to have a great family and how important it is to stay close.