A Heart of Thankfulness: Family, Uniqueness, and Conversations That Matter

Living in this country has enabled me to embrace all four seasons of the year, I must confess that Fall happens to be my favourite. You have to admit, doesn't the month of October remind you of the season of gratitude? The leaves turning brilliant shades of red, gold and the air grow crisp. This is a time to pause and reflect on what it truly means to be thankful not just for what we have, but for who we have in our lives.

At the core of gratitude is family. And with that, I'd like to mention how grateful I am to have a family of my own. I've been extremely intentional about the morals and values I've instilled in my children. It goes beyond being courteous and thoughtful. It's knowing who you are within yourself and knowing what matters and how you'd like to be treated as an individual.

Being thankful for family goes far beyond sharing meals and traditions; it’s about recognizing that each person plays an irreplaceable role within the family unit. Without you, your family would not be complete.

Every laugh, every hug, every perspective you bring adds to the unique rhythm of your home.

This message lies at the heart of my book, Stuck in the Middle. I wrote it to remind children that even when a new sibling comes along or family dynamics shift, they remain just as important, valued, and loved.

Each child brings something unique to their family, something that no one else can replace.

It’s important to teach children early on that feelings are valid and worth sharing.

When we encourage healthy conversations within the family, we create a space where everyone feels seen and heard. These conversations help us grow closer, strengthen our bonds, and allow gratitude to flourish in everyday life.

As we embrace this season of thankfulness, may we remember that family is a gift and within that gift, every member has a special place.