'Tis the season of Thanksgiving

by Vivian Zabel 

          This week brings a day of thanksgiving. I know I have much of which to be thankful, but I need to remember to give thanks every day, not just one day a year.

          I'm thankful for my husband of nearly fifty years. We met November 7, 1961 and were married February 18, 1962. I don't really remember being without him by my side. No, our road has not be smooth. We had struggles and difficulties, some major, but we survived. We both want to be in God's will and to be what He would have us be.

          I'm thankful for my children: Rene, the musician from the time she was four years old; Bob, the warrior with a tender and loving heart; Randy, the peacemaker and baby of the family with more maturity than he should have had; Regina, the angel in heaven. I love my children more than they probably know.

          I'm thankful for my grandchildren: Rene's children - Macayla, Keri, Faris, Meena, and Aiden; Bob's and Brenda's girls - Liz and Jenny; Randy's and Janelle's boys - Ryan, Colby, and Shane. Each one has a special spot in my heart.

          I'm thankful for my great grandchildren: Macayla's and David's children - Kurtis, Ethan, and Haylee; Keri's and Jarrod's girls - Katie and Emma. They are such blessings.

          I'm thankful for friends, some who have been part of my life for many years. I can't begin to list them all, but I want to give special thanks for those who have been in my life the longest: Jean Bray (since we were in third grade), Joyce Childers (over 40 years), Carolyn Leonard (since her son was a senior in high school), Jacque Graham (for over 30 years), Larry Boyd (since high school), Phyllis Cote (since high school), Sherrill Chandler Henderson (since we were 12 and 13), and Margaret and Terry Rohlmier (we met in college). Others from the past have been found and some lost. Also more recent friends have brightened my life.

          I'm thankful for all the 4RV authors, illustrators, and staff members. All are blessings, even those who have been a challenge. The company couldn't exist without Aidana WillowRaven, Ginger Nielson, Harry Gilleland, Mandy Hedrick, all the editors, all the authors, and all the illustrators, past and present. I wish I could name all, but I don't want this post to be so long. However all can be found on the 4RV website and bookstore. Thank you, everyone.

          I pray each and every person who has been a part of my life and who is still a part of my life will have a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless you all.

by Vivian Zabel