Giving Thanks during the Holidays

Rather than complain about getting sick and not being able to go to Costa Rica as planned, I'd like to list what I am most thankful for:

• My loving husband who made me soup and rice porridge - something I craved last night.
• My supportive family who plated my Thanksgiving care package to go, along with giving me some Asian-style face masks popular in winter months on the subway.
• My understanding friends who love me for me.
• My cat who's affectionately known as "momma's girl," sits by my side as I type this entry.

But when I think of the holidays, perhaps there is a bigger reason why I'm here in Los Angeles right now.

It's the first Thanksgiving without my grandfather, without his quiet laugh and his love of sports...his gentle ways of showing his love and affection to his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren. And with the Christmas season just around the corner, I am reminded ever so humbly of the importance of family and friends.

My Ji-chan... will always be remembered as a man of few words,

but with the biggest heart and the kindest spirit.

He is greatly missed and forever loved.