As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I, for one, am getting incredibly excited to see my family again. After a few months at college, I miss my parents, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to get to see them, as well as some other members of my family. I love this season for that reason: I get to see some family that I haven’t seen in forever.
However, as I’ve thought about this, I realize that I am incredibly lucky to actually be happy during this season. A season for the family is wonderful for some…but for others, seeing family is the last thing that they want, or at the very least, the endeavor will bring unease.
When I consider what others might be going through, it makes me even more grateful for my wonderful, supportive family, but it also reminds me that those who don’t have a familial safe haven might need some love or support.
So, everyone who is uneasy about coming home for Thanksgiving or flat out can’t come home, this is for you.
To everyone with families who don’t support your goals or your choices: you are loved. Keep being you, keep being wonderful. Do what makes you happy, because as wonderful as family is, it isn’t the only support system in your life. If they don’t come around, it’s their problem.
To everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community whose families don’t support their partner, their gender identity, or who they were born as: You are valid. You are loved. This is the way you were born, it isn’t anything you’ve done wrong and those who truly love you will not ask you to change.
At the end of every thunderstorm is a rainbow, so though this season is difficult, you will persevere, you will get through it, and you’ll come out of it a stronger person.
To all the victims of familial abuse who either must avoid or must be in contact with their abuser: no one deserves to endure what you have, and I’m not going to spew meaningless platitudes about how it’s going to be okay because there are some wounds that just don’t heal.
However, it will get better, you’ll be able to cut that awful person out of your life, and once this season is over you’ll be able to celebrate, knowing that you’ll be able to leave the bad memories behind and let in the good.
To everyone whose religion or lack thereof puts them at risk: continue with faith in your beliefs, and do not let those who would criticize make you feel like a lesser person for what you know to be true. You are a person of conviction, one who knows their way through this world, and no one can, or should, make you change.
And most importantly, to all of you, to everyone for whom family is not a word that connotes safety and love, this doesn’t mean you’re alone. Everyone can find a support network of people who love them, and if your family isn’t included in that network, that is okay.
It’s better to be around people who love you and care about you than to force yourself to stay around people who don’t accept you for who you are and for your choices.
So even if you can’t be thankful for familial support this season, take a deep breath, look around you, and give thanks for those who have supported you.
And give some thanks to your own strength and perseverance as well, because you’re on a difficult road. Remember that you are wonderful. And remember that this internet stranger is in your corner, telling you that it will get better.