This will be my second Thanksgiving without Alan. Last year, I awoke on Thanksgiving Day with a migraine and promptly closed the curtains, swallowed some medication and went back to bed. Since we were in the middle of the pandemic lockdown, I had invited only one guest to join me for turkey and all the trimmings, and she didn’t mind putting off our celebration for a day.

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration will also be small, but that doesn’t mean my gratitude will be minimal. On the contrary. Even though I miss my hubby with an intensity that takes my breath away, I have much to be thankful for.

I am grateful for all the friends, relatives, neighbors, and people from church who stepped forward to help as Alan’s health declined, whether it was cleaning the fish tank, shoveling our driveway or helping with wheelchair issues.

I am grateful the voters of Colorado had the wisdom and compassion to pass the End-of-Life Options Act in 2016.

I am grateful that Alan was able to use the provisions of the 2016 law to die the tender death he had envisioned for himself: At home, in his own room, surrounded by people who loved him.

But mostly, I am grateful Alan was my partner, my lover, my best friend for more than a quarter of a century. I am thankful for all the love and laughter he brought into my life.

In this season of gratitude, what are you thankful for?