Thanksgiving in my home never leaves space for an empty stomach. My kitchen was filled and my table was too. And now I sit exhausted. Two days straight of labor in the kitchen and one large meal to finish it off. Now I'm tired. Admiring the thankful letters of a few generous neighbors. Remembering the kind exchanges of smiles from children and loved ones. My family is very far this holiday season- as they have been for the past three. I haven't spent a Yule or Thanksgiving with my parents since I was eighteen. And I often miss them. Often wish I could find a love here who would share his family with me in an intimate, true way. But for now the village is my family, a friendly family, and one that I take in with all my heart.
