I always loved Thanksgiving because Kaitlin and I got to sleep over at your house the night before
and then we would wake up early to help you get ready for Thanksgiving dinner.
You and Kaitlin would prep the turkey and the other dishes.
My job was getting the name cards ready, ironing the napkins, and setting the table.
We'd watch the parade in the morning, Mom and Dad would come over,
the puzzle would be out and ready to be put together.
And in the evening we'd share the best of feasts and I'd always be thankful for family and food.
Last year was special though, because we got to share Thanksgiving
and then celebrate your birthday a couple days later.
It was the birthday party you always wanted to do - with family, friends, good food, music, and dancing.
I'm so glad we got to finally do it before everything happened
because it's one of my happiest, most recent memories of you.
Watching you dance and sing with your friends to your favorite songs,
Dad spinning you across the dance floor,
all of us gathering for a big group picture with you surrounded by people who loved you.
You've given me so many wonderful memories in the past 22 years
and so I want you to know that I love you and I miss you.
I think about you every day, and I'll especially be thinking about you today.
Thank you for the Thanksgiving traditions I'll always hold in my heart
and hopefully we'll be able to carry them on as a family united in our love for you next year.