My mouth begins to water at the smell of roasting turkey as I walk into my sister’s house. We greet one another with warm hugs and I dig in to help with the finishing touches. Usually I’m handed the potato masher. Being Slavic, we like evidence of the farm in our food rather than beating it out with the electric mixer. I’ve also been the dedicated salad maker since the time I gathered wild edibles from the yard, much to the skepticism of other family members. Appetizers such as cheeses, liver & bacon pate, homemade dips, and veggie & fruit trays, continue to arrive with each opening of the door as my mother, four sisters and brother arrive with their spouses and kids. Some sweethearts, related in-laws, and several dogs complete our gathering. There is always more food than room on the table, even with an extra “kids” table. Before anyone takes a bite of food, silence ensues and grace is said.

Gratitude. We are so grateful for family, health and abundance. Grateful that we have the love we share and that our kids are happy, healthy, safe and growing into fine young men and women. Grateful that my father, a WWII veteran who served on the USS Helena in the Pacific, was who he was so we could all be together. Grateful that now we know that when he exclaimed, “This is the best turkey this side of the Mississippi!” he was talking about a bounty of love more than turkey.

The gratitude I have for veterans and active military began at home. My father’s time in World War II shaped my childhood, my formative years and my adulthood. My father lived his life protecting us even after the war, always giving up so much so that we could have it better than he. Today, I am also grateful for the opportunity my training provides, and that I am in a place where I can share who I am and what I’ve learned so I may offer something meaningful in return. My gratitude is not confined to just one day or to only people with whom I share biological ties. My patients and teachers are my extended family, and I am grateful for the trust given to me so that I may continue to practice and discover deeper ways of healing. I am a vehicle through whom God and Source work to engender healing. In this month of thanksgiving, I recognize the ever present gift and honor it is to be entrusted to help others heal.

May the blessings of Thanksgiving be with you and your families.

Please join me and become part of the family in our Community Acupuncture Program for Veterans and Active Military on Fridays from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at Karmabridge Acupuncture & Herbals, P.C., 490 Schooley’s Mountain Rd., Hackettstown, NJ. 908-852-1267. Karmabridge.com.