A Heart Full of Thanks: Thanksgiving Reflections

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings in my life, both personally and professionally. This time of year always reminds me to pause, appreciate, and express gratitude for the incredible people and moments that make life so meaningful.

Health, Resilience, and Healing This Thanksgiving feels especially poignant as it marks a year since my relapse of follicular lymphoma—diagnosed the day before last Thanksgiving. The journey through a relapse was challenging and humbling, but I am deeply grateful for the excellent care I’ve received from Dr. Hudler, Dr. Lesniewski, Dr. Firestone and Dr. Roswarski. With their expertise and unwavering support, I am now in remission and undergoing maintenance treatment for the next two years. Each day feels like a precious gift, and I embrace life with renewed gratitude and strength.

Making a Difference In my role as a REALTOR, I have the privilege of helping others find a place to call home. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing from clients who are thriving in their new homes, building memories in neighborhoods, and adjusting beautifully to life in Northern Virginia. Knowing I’ve played a part in their happiness fills me with joy and a sense of purpose.

Family and Love My heart overflows with gratitude for my husband, Kenny, our daughters and their families, my adorable grandbabies, and my sisters and their loved ones. Their unwavering love, support, and encouragement mean the world to me. These relationships are the foundation of my strength and the source of my greatest joys.

Small Acts, Big Joys I believe in paying it forward, whether it’s treating someone to lunch, offering a bouquet of flowers to a fellow shopper, or simply sharing a smile. These little acts of kindness ripple outward and bring light to the world. And speaking of bringing joy, how can I not mention pansies? These cheerful, colorful blooms make my heart sing, especially during this season.

The Power of “Please” and “Thank You” As simple as they are, these two magic words carry profound meaning. “Please” invites connection and cooperation, while “Thank you” acknowledges and honors the goodness around us. Let’s use them generously and often, spreading gratitude wherever we go.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll join me in embracing the spirit of gratitude—celebrating health, love, resilience, community, and the joy of giving. Each day is a gift, and there is so much to be thankful for.

Wishing you and yours a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and plenty of happy pansies!