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Giving Thanks to Jan

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes, 16 seconds
Jan Peace

November 25, 2021

My two favorite holiday memories are the first and last Thanksgiving with Jan. I was alone before I met Jan, and I am alone again. The first time was easier to manage, and today will be my first Thanksgiving without her.

This year, I could have gone with Mike and Elyssa for Thanksgiving, and I even had other offers to make a place at the table for me. 

I chose not to go anywhere for Thanksgiving, not because I would not have enjoyed myself, but because I will be volunteering to help the homeless on Thursday and Friday with Bridges Outreach.

In my heart, I felt it was what Jan would want me to do this year, and I knew It was what I needed to do. Both Jan and I spent our lives working to repair the world.

Volunteering with Bridges allowed me to help others and partially repay all the support and love I have received since Jan died. In a future Thanksgiving, I may choose to break bread with family and friends.

But this year, it needs to be about giving to others, as it is the best way today for me to share Jan’s love. 

May you all be blessed with a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

Love never dies; it only grows stronger.

Authors Note: I may update this post or stream with details about my volunteer work.

You might enjoy reading Will you marry me?

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