Tag: family

Finding Gratitude in a Different Kind of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving looks a little different for me this year. The house won’t echo with the laughter of my daughter or the tiny footsteps of my grandchildren. There won’t be little hands helping me stir the mashed potatoes or the chaos of kids running around the kitchen. And I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t tug at my heart.

But life changes, families grow, schedules shift and sometimes the holidays don’t land exactly where we’d imagined. What I’m learning though, is that love doesn’t disappear just because we aren’t in the same room. Connection doesn’t fade because miles sit between us. And traditions don’t lose their meaning just because they evolve.

This year, I’ll be a part of their Thanksgiving day, just through a screen. FaceTime may not replace a warm hug, but it does let me see their smiles, hear their voices and be present for the moments that matter. I’ll get to peek into their celebration, watch the kids show off their turnkey crafts, and feel included in the rhythm of their day. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

At the same time, my husband and I will be spending Thanksgiving with friends. The kind of friends who have become my chosen family. The people who bring warmth to my table, laughter to my home and comfort to the in-between spaces of life. There’s something special about sitting with people who care for you simply because they want to, not because they have to. It reminds me that family is both given and created.

I’ve decided that this season, instead of rushing through the emotions or comparing this year to the past, I’m going to slow down. I’m going to savor the day, the conversations, the food and the gratitude that still fills my life in so many unexpected ways. Sometimes the most beautiful moments of the holidays are the ones we didn’t plan; the quiet ones, the improvised ones, the ones that teach us how strong and tender our hearts really are.

So even though my Thanksgiving table will look different, my heart will still be full. Love will be shared across states, across screens, across dinner tables filled with friends who support and uplift me. And that, in its own way, is something to be truly thankful for.

Here’s to slowing down.

Here’s to finding gratitude in new traditions.

And here’s to feeling close to the people we love; no matter the distance.

If your holiday looks different too, just remember love doesn’t disappear with distance. We can still find gratitude in new traditions.

Growing Up Hungry: Why Food Insecurity Still Breaks My Heart

I grew up on food stamps and often went hungry as a child.

My Story: Growing Up with Food Insecurity

When I was a child, food wasn’t something we could count on. My family lived on food stamps, and even then, there were times when the pantry shelves were empty. I remember the hollow ache in my stomach and the shame that came with standing in line at the grocery store, hoping the food stamps would cover enough to last the month.

There were nights when I went to bed hungry—not because I didn’t want to eat, but because there simply wasn’t enough. That kind of hunger never really leaves you. It shapes how you see the world.

Understanding Food Insecurity In America

Food insecurity means not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It’s not just about missing meals—it’s about the constant worry, the tough choices and the quiet struggle behind closed doors.

According to 2023 data I could find, 47.4 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, with 13.8 million of them being children. That means in nearly every community across this country, there are families struggling to put dinner on the table.

Children who experience hunger face more than just empty stomachs. Hunger affects their ability to concentrate, learn, and grow. It impacts their health, their confidence, and their future. And no child should ever have to face that.

Why This Issue Still Matters to Me

When I see stories about food insecurity today, or the fact that SNAP benefits will be cut off November 1, 2025 due to the government shutdown. I see my younger self. I hate that in 2025 there are kids going to school and going to bed hungry.

Because food insecurity isn’t just a statistic—it’s real families, real kids, real pain. It’s people doing the best they can with what they have, often feeling invisible or ashamed to ask for help.

How We Can Help End Hunger

You don’t have to have lived through it to make a difference. Here are a few simple ways we can all help fight food insecurity in our communities:

*Donate to local food banks. Even a small contribution can feed a family for. A few days.

*Support school meal programs. Many children rely on these meals as their main source of nutrition.

*Volunteer your time. Community kitchens and food drives always need helping hands.

*Speak Up. Use your voice to raise awareness about hunger and the importance of access to nutritious food.

No act of kindness is too small. Every can of food, every hour volunteered, and every dollar donated help ease the burden of hunger for someone who desperately needs it.

A Final Thought

I share my story because I know how it feels to go hungry—and I don’t want any child to ever feel that way again. Food insecurity may be a tough subject, but it’s one we must keep talking about.

When we lift each other up, when we feed our neighbors and care for our communities, we create a future where no child has to go to bed hungry. And that’s a future worth fighting for.

How to Stay Connected with Grandchildren Who Live Far Away: Meaningful Ways to Bridge the Distance

If you’re a grandparent whose grandchildren live across the country (I have twin grandchildren, boy and girl, who are almost 3), you know that distance can tug at the heart in ways that words can’t describe. You miss the little moments — the hugs, the laughter, the chance to watch them grow up in real time. But here’s the truth: love travels beautifully through the miles when we put intention behind connection.

Today’s technology and a little creativity make it easier than ever to stay close, even when you can’t be there in person. Here are some heartfelt, practical ways to nurture that special bond no matter how many miles separate you.

Schedule Regular video calls— and make them fun!

FaceTime, Zoom, or Google meet can turn distance into connection. Don’t just “call” — create experiences. Have a weekly “pajama breakfast”, read bedtime stories, or play games online together. Keep it consistent so your grandkids know it’s your special time.

Send Surprise Mail – Old School Still Works

There’s nothing like getting mail from Grandma or Grandpa! Send postcards, handwritten notes, or small care packages with stickers, coloring books, or a photo of you. (Every time a package comes to the twins home, they think its from Gigi…even if it isn’t from me…LOL)

Visit When You Can

When visits happen, make them memorable. What kids remember most isn’t what you did, but how loved they felt when you were there.

Between visits, remind them that even when you’re apart, they’re always on your mind. That reassurance builds lifelong emotional security.

Being a long-distance grandparent isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible to stay close and connected. With a little creativity and consistency, you can build a relationship that grows stronger over time—one FaceTime call, one letter, one shared laugh at a time.

Love doesn’t fade with distance—it simply finds new ways to shine.