Thanksgiving

Things I've had to ignore this week:

• The fact that my jeans are too tight after a monthlong potato chip binge, each chip an attempt at distraction from the fact that Mark's been dead for four years.
• My friend pretending to shoot herself in the head to make a point about being frustrated.
• My heart squeezing upon hearing the laughter of my older kids home from college, their presence making it harder to ignore Mark's absence.

But I'm thankful. Thankful my potato chip fixation has diminished. Thankful for my friend despite her thoughtless attempt at humor. And so thankful for these kids of mine.