It is an interesting thing, this first Thanksgiving alone. While it is not my first time to be without those close to me on this holiday, it is the first time to be without my wife and children. I must admit that it took me by somewhat of a surprise as I lost track of the time and without the constant reminders of my native culture and what I would call home, with the business and preparations for the day, I forgot what day it was. I was only reminded when a worker at the embassy said ‘have a good Thanksgiving’ to which my immediate response was one of confusion and then one of surprise at my lack of remembrance. It is, I have claimed for some time, my favorite holiday. I’m not sure why. Maybe it has something to do with being in the company of the family and friends that you choose to celebrate with or maybe it’s a turn of seasons, which is actually fairly melancholic in nature. I’m not sure, but I have a deep, unnamed thing within me that is the source of my great affection. That is why I am struggling with sadness this day, not only from the absence of those that are the closest and dearest to me, but at my forgetfulness of this, my favorite day of celebration. I battle with explaining the holiday to people here as I am instantly turned inside out with the emotion of it. I find myself fighting tears and sorrow and I desire, now that I remember the time, to relax and contemplate and reflect. I have some meetings later today, but until then, my mind will consider and I will yearn for the people I miss and long to be with.
Aaron
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