It is Thanksgiving, a day to gather with family and friends and be thankful for your blessings, be they large or small.

The rainy and dismal morning didn’t afford me a long walk – I was bummed out when I heard the weatherman say the rain would be cleared out by the time the Thanksgiving Day parade started … but 8:50 a.m. came and went, and the mistiness persisted.

But, I had my heart set on reaching the 700-mile mark today, and, with just one measly mile to go to achieve that milestone, I went out anyway.

On this whittled-down walk, I had the pleasure of scuffing through slimy-feeling leaves, which clung to my shoes and slopped up over the laces … it was hardly worth the aggravation of lacing up, but I was glad I went out anyway.

Though I grumbled as I walked (or slid) along the way, I was grateful for my good health, and the ability to set out on a walk, and the benefits that walking does for my body and mind.

After I returned home, got into my dry clothes and settled down with my second cup of coffee, I had some extra time to reflect on what else I am grateful for.

For most people, family and friends usually are the big draws for this special holiday … plus, there is much talk about “the bird” … the size of it, how to prepare it, how tasty and succulent it is … and don’t forget all the lip-smacking trimmings that go along with that turkey.

When grace is said, just before digging in, the Thanksgiving meal is included in the thanks uttered from everyone’s lips.

I, too, am thankful for “the bird” … only my bird is my canary Buddy.

I am feeling grateful to have him cheeping and peeping in his cage, a mere seven feet from where I am tap-tap-tapping along on this keyboard. He fills the kitchen with cheer and is a little beacon of light in his corner.

I am especially grateful on this Thanksgiving holiday for him, because over the course of the past three weeks, Buddy has battled a serious respiratory infection. At times, Buddy’s breathing was labored and a rattling sound could be heard, and he was simply not himself.  We have tried various antibiotics to thwart this bug … at times the countertop has looked like a lab with beakers, eyedroppers and measuring spoons.  Plus, the various meds taste terrible and we have been using Torani vanilla syrup to sweeten the water and make it taste better.  I have watched him perk up and felt my heart soar, while other times, my usually cheery pet is listless and sitting in the corner causing my heart to be sore.  I feel confident he is on the mend as a result of his collection of meds, much TLC and prayers from others – not just me.

While your Thanksgiving bird may weigh fifteen or twenty pounds, Buddy weighs less than an ounce soaking wet, but this little guy is worth his weight in gold.

Count your blessings on this holiday – I know I will. Happy Thanksgiving all!