Thanksgiving On An Island Day 2

Good morning on an island. I don't wake up from humming birds or an alarm clock, but rather it's the voice of the others that spring me to my feet. 

And the day continues with the essence of 'OTHER' ringing in my ears. After all: here I am, an OTHER, celebrating with a family that isn't mine, the most familial American holidays of them all: Thanksgiving. 
And off the bat, within my first time of spending time with a family that isn't mine, I say THANK YOU for the inclusion, for the welcome, and for the love. 

With all the joy this family is expressing, they are also expressing sorrow, DEEP sorrow for a primal member of the family whose time on this planet is running low. And as I grow in my empathy and listen to the stories, and the feels, and the love from this family, I am reminded of my own family, and how family comes together WHEN times are hard. That's what family is for.