I woke up this morning before the sun, before the birds, before my husband. Although scientists say that sleep is what my brain craves, and is what will help keep me from various diseases I can’t pronounce or begin to understand, suddenly, I’m my father, a man who was up sipping coffee and reading the paper well before the sun. Evidently, my brain prefers the early hours. And, truth be told, I tend to doze most evenings, (just resting my eyes, I swear) in front of Netflix on a frighteningly regular basis. My husband is tired of having to explain the middle or final twenty minutes of every episode of every show we watch. I can’t say I blame him.

My dad always said the early mornings; the dawn of a new day was a magical time and he’s right. The world is a quiet and beautiful place at this hour. There is a period of stillness before the sun rises that lends itself to contemplation; I can feel my brain and senses wake up. It’s my favorite and most productive time to think and to write.

As soon as my eyes open, I began the debate of whether to sneak a look at my phone to check the time. I begin my silent prayer that it is closer to 6:00 and not to 3:00 AM, when I would have to begin the battle to try to go back to sleep. It’s 5:34. Close enough.

And then I remember, it’s Thanksgiving Day. I’m lying safe and warm in a bed next to a man who has loved me since I was 18 years old. Today will be filled with the dividends of a happy, lengthy marriage to a man whom I have loved since I was 18 years old.

My Thanksgiving will be filled with our children, grandchildren, food, laughter, and some really good mezcal.

Today, we will eat Far. Too. Much. Food.

Today, when we are cold, we will turn up the heat.

Today, when we are thirsty, will will turn on the tap.

Today, we will watch a parade and a football game or two surrounded by people we love and who love us.

Today, we are all healthy. (*In the larger sense. One of those precious granddaughters spent yesterday throwing up, so she may be on the couch with a bucket watching the Disney Channel all day, and the rest of us may be throwing up for the rest of the weekend. But it wouldn’t be a family holiday without someone barfing.)

Today, we will share stories, make jokes, and create memories.

Today, we will do all of this in a safe, happy place.

Today, friends I have made over the various stages of my life will wish me a “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Today, I will miss my Dad, but remember all the wonderful times with him and things about him.

Today, I will think of my mom, who three Thanksgivings ago, woke up next to a man that had loved her since she was 17 years old. She will gather with my brother and sister’s families and her grandchildren to laugh, and eat too much in a safe place with football on the TV.

Today, I give thanks for all of it; the joy, the sorrow, the laughter, the tears.

Today, I will take none of it for granted.

Go gather. Be joyful. Be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends.