I realized something about myself on this trip. First off, my daughter truly is the cutest child on both sides of the family; and second, I have an attachment to certain foods, or more clearly certain foods are associated with various holidays and memories for me. For example, my family is filled with excellent cooks and we always have homemade baked goods. The thought of store bought rolls and pies is quite offensive. It's just not a holiday without mom's homemade crescent rolls and a slice of homemade banana cream pie! And a slice of homemade pumpkin pie, and a slice of homemade apple pie, etc.
I was a little perturbed with the abundance of store bought goods at this years Thanksgiving. But, believe me that I understanding buying goods when you're serving cafeteria style to such a large group. I was also a little frustrated that my food was cold by the time I got to eat -- Zari needed feeding first. After our meal we headed over to Jeff's mom's house in Ivans, a suburb of St. George, and had pie with a few of her kids. This was less anxious as there weren't as many people, but I still missed mom's homemade pies.
The rest of the weekend was relaxed at the ranch. We went to Zion's and hiked a bit and ate until we couldn't eat anymore. Zari was able to spend time with her other Grandparents and I was grateful to see their adoration of my beautiful daughter. I'll admit that it was a bit strange, but I have no doubt that Grandma, Grandma, and Grandpa love their newest granddaughter.
I spent the return drive in thought about all that I am thankful for. It's easy for me to rack up a nice list of the abundance in my life but when I get down to what is at my core, what I value most, it is the relationships in my life. If push comes to shove than I choose people over things. I am so grateful for my family and for our respect and love of each other. I appreciate our diversity of thought, lifestyle, religion, and race. I am grateful for the bounty of my friendships. Growing up I didn't have many close friends and was kind of a loner. It wasn't until my mid twenties that I had girlfriends that I feel authentically love and support me and I them. I have some amazing women in my life! I am surrounded by bright, driven, powerful women who are actively making a difference in the world. I am also grateful for my partner, Jeff, and for his children for they are probably my greatest teachers right now.
What a beautiful life this is! Being in southern Utah my mind wandered to the pioneer times and to thinking of the convenience of technology. I am grateful to be alive today, to be a women in America right here right now. I couldn't ask for more opportunity.
