Dear John,

Today is my first Thanksgiving without Mom.

Mom is celebrating Thanksgiving in Heaven this year. I can only imagine how incredible that is! She is with Dad, Suzie, Phoebe, and so many more.

Today I am so grateful because of Mom and Dad. They taught me that Significance and Joy come when you help someone else be, do, or have more than they thought possible. They taught me that Who you are, and Whose you are, is what matters.

Dad said that the attitude of gratitude is the healthiest emotion of all, and I have to tell you I am feeling pretty healthy!

Yes, today I am grateful that I miss them. This might be the true test of a great legacy. Perhaps legacy is measured by how much you are missed, multiplied by the gratitude people have because of your life.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, be grateful for everything you have, and when you begin to miss someone you love, let that transform into gratitude. This is my plan for the day, and I have a feeling this is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever.

Blessings to you and yours on this Thanksgiving Day.

Tom