Thursday, Nov. 27 we are blessed with another Thanksgiving. A day for each of us to give thanks for all the blessings and mercies in our lives. For most it has been a good year and for that we are thankful. For others it’s been a year of struggle … a year of pain and suffering … for some there has been sorrow.

Let us pray for each other. No matter how other folks seem to be living life, we never know what tacks they may have in their shoes. Definitely let’s keep each other in our prayers.

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Many of us will sit down to a very special Thanksgiving dinner. A meal that will undoubtedly bring cherished memories to our hearts. It’s amazing how the foods of Thanksgiving can bring back a memory from long ago. Many families, especially our grandmothers had a traditional way they prepared our Thanksgiving turkey and especially our dressing (or stuffing as we called it).

Each of us have our own memories and each of us continue to make new memories. Our old memories are precious to us as are our new memories. Each year there are new experiences in our lives. There are weddings, new jobs, new projects, new friends, new babies … new adventures. There are graduations, promotions, and so much more, life is full of changes. One thing that will never change is the love we will always feel for those who are no longer with us at our Thanksgiving table. The ones we hold so dear. We each hold these memories close to our hearts every day.

This Thanksgiving, we are reminded especially of those serving our great country. They serve on American soil and they serve in faraway places. Many are young … this is their first Thanksgiving away from home. Some have served our great country for years … they have missed many holidays far from home. For others serving they will be able to come home for Thanksgiving. They will enjoy time with their loved ones; special times. Let’s keep those serving in our prayers. Let’s also pray for our great country.

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This Thanksgiving, as I do each year, I am thankful for the man I met at 17 and married when I was 18. Although he’s been gone for almost 10 years, our family will honor him at our Thanksgiving table this year, as we do each year. His chair may be empty, but in our hearts, he will be right here with us. Thank you to our Heavenly Father for giving me such a wonderful husband for 47 years. We will always love you, Richard Mullins.

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We end this week’s column with a congratulations to our amazing Mustang football team. Have a great game Friday, Nov. 28 in the Section finals. Go-o-o-o Mustangs!

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As always you may reach me by email at winniemullins51@gmail.com or by text or telephone at 209-985-5233.

Until next time, “Happy Trails to All!” Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.