We picked up our son from college today and brought him back to Blacksburg. He’s home for a week for Thanksgiving. The hamper is filled with firewood, we’ve got tart cherries for pie in the cupboard, and wind whistles over the chimney top while we’re warm and cozy inside. He gets to enjoy cats and quiet and his own room and his own shower — that he doesn’t have to wear shoes in! –for a few days. The four of us can share meals and laughter and go get our Christmas tree way earlier than we usually do, just so we can do it while he’s here.

He’s happy to be home, especially after this tough week on UVA grounds. We’re happy for him to be home. I have so much to be grateful for, and I am.