When preparing the ham to bake for our Thanksgiving dinner, I carefully placed the pineapple slices on top of the ham. I then added a brown sugar glaze to it. To secure the pineapple slices, I usually use toothpicks. But today I was out of them and remembered the tip my son told me about years ago of using dried spaghetti noodles for a toothpick in baking. I broke up a few and speared the pineapple slices onto the big ol' ham and it worked just fine.

That's how it began today.

It never takes long to start thinking about my first born son each day. A long story, but simply put, our relationship is now estranged. I was sadly in the throes of drug addiction, 21 years old and we sort of raised each other.

But today is the day to count your blessings and be thankful. I'm thankful for my son, my daughter, my husband, my sister, my Mother, my friends and extended family, and for those who've gone on before me. And I take your love to the center of my heart. Namaste.