Will you invite me to Thanksgiving dinner?

 Will you invite me to Thanksgiving dinner?

When a French teenager asked you this question the answer is obvious, "Yes, you and the entire family." 

Shortly after that phone call, tickets were purchased and in the preparations began.  My French friends had taught me to cook all sorts of dishes; it was my turn to show them a thing or two in the kitchen, and I couldn't wait.

As we sat down to eat there was a seriousness that settled as we went around the table and said what why we were thankful. 
I became nervous; they had just come through a rough spot. Their darling son was killed at age eleven in a horrible accident. I was stressed thinking, "Will they be okay? Will they be thankful?" 

They were; they were most thankful to have friends willing to share this new experience.

We have shared Thanksgiving with many friends over the years; I find I show how thankful I am for what I have by sharing. I don't just do this on Thanksgiving but whenever I can. I share my time, my stories, my love. Sharing with others is what makes life so sweet. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend.

–Allison Ochs, Social Worker M.S.W. , Coach, Expat, Mother of three, Wife