Thanksgiving for Books That Travel the World: A Tribute to Gratitude, Friendship, and Love

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. We gather with loved ones, sharing meals, memories, and appreciation for all that we have. But gratitude isn’t just about celebrating the good—it’s also about acknowledging the challenges and losses that shape us into who we are today. It’s a time to give thanks for the blessings, the hardships, and the people who have touched our lives in profound ways.

This year, as I reflect on the many things I’m grateful for, I can’t help but feel the absence of someone who was an integral part of my life: my dear friend Laura. We shared 40 years of laughter, conversation, and memories, and though she is no longer with us, I carry her in my heart every day. Grief is a strange thing. It isn’t about holding on to loss—it’s about holding on to the love that was shared. That’s what I’ve come to realize. We miss her, deeply, especially during the holidays, which can be especially hard when you're missing someone close. The first Thanksgiving without her can be difficult, and I know I’m not alone in this feeling. The holidays can be a bittersweet time for those who are grieving, and it’s important to acknowledge that.

But even in the midst of grief, gratitude is a healing force. I’m so incredibly thankful for the 40 years Laura and I had together. I often wish we could have had 70 or 80 years, but I take solace in the fact that she left such an indelible mark on my life. Her presence still lingers in many ways. I can talk to her when I need guidance, and I feel her in the memories we shared.

One way I’ve found to honor her and express my gratitude for the gift of her friendship is through this project—Books That Travel the World. It’s a simple but meaningful gesture: leaving books for others to find, read, and enjoy. In doing so, I’m not only giving thanks for the joy that books bring to my life but also celebrating the love I had for Laura. She was an avid reader, and I know she would have loved the idea of a book traveling far and wide, touching the lives of strangers in unexpected places.

So, today, as I give thanks for the many blessings in my life, I will leave a book in Laura’s honor—somewhere for a stranger to discover. It may be on a park bench, a library shelf, or a coffee shop table. Wherever it is, I hope it sparks joy and connection. Because, in the end, gratitude isn’t just about what we have—it’s about what we give, how we share love, and how we carry those we’ve lost forward in the things we do.

I invite you to join me in this small act of kindness. Take a moment today to reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped you. Consider leaving a book for someone else to find, to share the magic of reading and the warmth of your gratitude. Let’s spread love, honor our loved ones, and remind ourselves that even in grief, there is always something to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and may the books we leave behind continue to travel, carrying with them the stories and love that define our lives.