A few years ago, we started a tradition with some friends of celebrating Thanksgiving together. However, autumn always seemed so busy and the date we could finally both agree on migrated later and later, until eventually we settled into a January Giving Thanks Dinner.

Our dear friends host this event, and treat our crew to a delightful evening of fun, food and fellowship. There is always a theme and special activity to look forward to. In the past we’ve had both a talent show and a reader’s circle. Our host is a wonderful cook and the meal is always a delightful, relaxing treat. (This year we each had a rich chocolate truffle dessert served in a martini glass!)

This year’s theme was Handmade and Heartfelt and we were all required to make something to gift to the other family. MrPages and the boys worked in the wood shop. MrsPages and the girls hit the kitchen. I longed to use my sewing room but it is still lying in a state of devastation (although I can now find the floor and at least one pair of scissors!)

We were blessed with a bucketful of miniature Animal cookies and a special gift for each one of us that not only was beautifully handcrafted, but carefully thought out and perfectly suited to each recipient.

I left feeling both abundant and inadequate. Abundant with such caring and generous friends. And inadequate because I feel so incapable of reciprocating. It seemed to me that nothing I brought was sufficient to show these dear friends just how special they are, and how much what they’ve done means to us. At times like these I realize how fully lacking I am, how grateful I am that people can care so richly for one another, and how determined I am to try and love them back with intensity and joy.

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