Many people are traveling great distances today just to embrace and see

family.  We could reflect back to the Pilgrims first and second winter where more than half the settlement

was lost in the winter months.  I think I understand in part the need to give thanks to The Almighty providing for us all.

Flashing back to childhood, I can always hear the sound of laughter and the unique laughter that all the family had.  There was Uncle George with his robust laugh, Uncle Mel with that loud chuckle that made us laugh, but in came the sweet sounds of laughter of Aunt Joyce, and Aunt Ethel with her hmms at the end, followed by a chorus of laughter from Mom ( Tootie) and Aunt Betty.  Then the whole family engaged with Uncle Russ, Uncle Dwain and Frosty ( my Dad) joining with a couple of yeahs and Uncle Butch's more waves of laughter.   Aunt Lorna often had a strong laugh like a John Deere tractor firing up.  Soon the home was a roaring with more laughter from my cousins Ralph, Harlan, and Patty.  And the laughter was contagious and soon all the adults and children were so thankful and laughing together.

Let's just say if I could play it back for us now you could understand the joy and love of family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk_7wUR2Wdg