Through the years, Grandpa Tom was always the one who joined us together for our Thanksgiving prayer. He always helped us to remember just how very much we had to be thankful for. Every year it was different and someone scribbled this one down. I can't remember when it was or who he might have been referring to, but it just reminded me so much of Grandpa Tom and how he always inspired the best in all of us and got us to look at the sunny side. So here it is:

Before we begin, I'd like us all to take a moment to ourselves, to think about what we're most thankful for this year ...
Dear Lord, let us offer our prayer of thanks. We have so much to be thankful for. First of all, and most important, we have each other. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends to spend this holiday with. And whatever differences any of us may have, let us be grateful for this day to put those differences aside.
Let us also take a moment to remember those who can't be with us. Those who are sick and in need. Those who, for whatever reason, are unable to celebrate this day with those they love.
Let us not forget those who are alone today. Who think they have no one. May they find someone to reach out to.
And let us look to the future, to appreciate not just what we have, but what we have to look forward to.
For, however dark the night may be, the sun always rises. And tomorrow a new life begins, bringing with it the hope for joy, happiness, and better days to come. Amen.