We've all got our Thanksgiving traditions. Some of us play football, some of us watch football, and almost all of us are blessed enough to spend a few days and one delicious meal with friends and loved ones.

After my high school lost yet again to our bitter rivals (which seems to be one of their favorite traditions), I went with my mom to my aunt's house to try to wash out that awful taste of defeat and replace it with some much-missed home cooking. We sat down, skipped grace, and ate our meals while we began one of our favorite traditions: going over what each of us wants for Christmas.

The responses were typical: another fire truck for Billy, a new sweater for Kristie, and a Craftsman 10 amp reciprocating saw with three-piece blade assortment for Jonathan. "You don't have to get me anything," I responded insincerely when it was my turn, counting on the knowledge of countless Thanksgivings past when that answer would not be accepted and I would be "forced" to give my family some idea of what I might want.

When it was time for my mother to go, she also said we didn't need to get her a gift. The difference between her response and mine, though, was that she really means it when she says, "Don't get me anything." She says this every year, but with the possibility of this being the last Christmas I'll be home for, I decided I wanted to do something extra special for her. At home later that day, I asked her again and she told me that if I really wanted to get her a nice gift then I should just write her a note in a card and that would be "good enough."

I was appalled. A card - that's it? Forgive me if I don't think Snoopy and Charlie Brown on the front of a Hallmark card adequately expresses how grateful I am to a woman whose whole life has been a complete gift to me.

Unmarried, pregnant, and caring for my dying grandmother, Susan Carroll made some tough choices and sacrifices in order to have and raise me. Since the day I was born, her entire life has been dedicated to my well-being, happiness, and success. She has shared every gift she has to offer with me, from her faith to her love of sports (which explains my extensive sports knowledge but relatively limited athletic skill).

Continued...

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