To my family members this Thanksgiving,

After almost a year of extreme ups and downs, it's almost nice to sit down with your family members over a hearty meal. Regardless of our conflicting views and what they may be, being able to sit down and discuss them civilly or put them aside for one night can truly help mend someone's relationship with someone else that may have been hurt within the past few months. I know that we may not agree on everything in life, but that's what makes us unique and human. And just know that I will respect your views as long as you respect mine as well.

This year, I am thankful that we are all able to sit down together and discuss things that we may not necessarily agree on. Not everyone is able to do this, and I believe that it is a vital factor in order to function as a proper family. Not only am I thankful, but I commend each and every one of you for putting your different views aside for the night to be able to enjoy a traditional holiday such as Thanksgiving. It is a hard thing to do and I respect you all for being able to do such a thing.

I am thankful for the way things work in our family, and just know that I wouldn't want it any other way. It breaks my heart whenever I see or overhear others talking about not being able to even look at their family members because of such poignant opposing views, because it should never be that way. I am thankful I have you guys as my family members, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you.