Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Like the premise of the old story "Scrooge" I have been thinking of Thanksgivings gone by and smiling. There certainly has been an assortment. Some were celebrated with my family, aunt, uncle and cousins.

One memorable one was in New York where I even got to see the Macy's Parade in person and was joined by family for a holiday weekend of fun and the creation of fantastic memories.

I remember one when returning from West Virginia we became snowbound and there was no room in a hotel so we slept in the car.

I've traveled from Florida on Thanksgiving to join family later in the day and eaten a traditional turkey dinner at Cracker Barrel while enroute.

I have shared a Thanksgiving weekend with friends when traveling to be with my family wasn't possible and those celebrations were also very wonderful.

I have had beach bound Thanksgiving and even enjoyed celebrations at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. All in all my memories of Thanksgivings gone by are excellent and put a smile on my heart when I remember them.

My current Thanksgiving plans have me staying here in St. Pete. Geographically, I will be far from my family but the one thing I have learned over the years, distance doesn't deminish or distract from how many blessings I have. They are numerous and even though I am far from family I hope they can feel the warmth and happiness of the loving thoughts I am sending them.

Each member of my family is uniquely different and I've come to embrace the positives of these uniquely special traits. Wendy and her husband have opened a wonderful Yoga studio that not only helps people become more fit but has been a catalyst that inspires miracles of health, mind and spirit. Their two daughters, my nieces are incredibly beautiful from the inside out. Caitlyn is doing amazing at school and is daring to learn and explore lots of interests. Jasmine is a businesswoman who understands the keys to successful management and has found a way to keep balance in her business and personal life. Not an easy task but I admire that she never puts life on the back burner and wants it all.

My sister Bonnie is about to become a grandmother for the first time and her excitement is wonderful. My niece Valerie and her husband Heath are looking forward to welcoming the new year and their new baby due January 6th. Dawn, my other niece is amazing. She epitomizes resilience and re-invention. I admire the way she continually reinvents her looks and manages to survive all the challenges inherent in growing. She is doing a great job in the Hospitality Industry.

I am also blessed to also have a terrific brother. Speaking of being a survivor Bob is an inspiration to me. It would be impossible to list all the ways he has been like a "Timex" watch, he's taken lickings and keeps on ticking. Dianne, his lovely wife is a wonderful support system and incredibly pretty and fun. So is Amber, my niece. Amber has given me many smiles with her nice notes and newsy letters. I am blessed with one Nephew, Josh. He is a risk taker like his father and my dad and has an enormous passion for adventure (of course I think he got that gene from me - smile).

As you can see my parents can look down from heaven with great pride at the assortment of children they created.

As for my own children and grandchildren, writing about how much they mean to me and how thankful I am for them would overflow the Internet and tangle the world wide web. The many memories we share fill me with joy. I am very blessed and proud of each of them.

When I look into the future (remember Scrooge's story) I see happy holidays and Thanksgivings shared with members of my family and friends. I see some celebrations at homes and some in unexpected places.

My life has definitely taken many twists and turns over the years and isn't what I had envisioned. As enormous as my imagination is, I never could never have predicted the adventures I've had, the obstacles that have taught me lessons, and the love I have been blessed to rejoice in. Lucky me.

The one constant about Thanksgivings past, present and future is that I am blessed and what's more important I know it and am very, very thankful.

Wishing you and your family and friends a safe, happy and fun-filled Thanksgiving - Judy