Thanksgiving is the time of year where families come together and people put aside their differences to enjoy a meal together with the ones they love. It is a time of happiness and love and togetherness. But in this time, surrounded by our families and friends, with food on our plates and love in our hearts, we often forget about why this holiday came to be.

It is easy to forget how lucky we truly are. To live in this country, with all of the rights and freedoms we have. To have families to turn to when we are scared or alone, or on these holidays. To have food in our stomachs and a roof over our heads. It is easy to forget that these things are not rights. These things are privileges, and we are all incredibly blessed to live in the world we do. In a world where we can go outside without worrying about gunfire and bombings. A world where our government is here to protect us, not control us. A world where we are loved by many and we love many in return. That is the reality we live in that so many others would give so much to live in.

While we spend our Thanksgivings in our warm homes, with our families and distant relatives, there are people who are sleeping on the streets, cold and afraid. Now this is by no means meant to make anyone feel guilty for living a happy, healthy life. This is only to raise awareness.

So I implore you this Thanksgiving to remember the roots on which this holiday was founded. Remember where it came from- the belief that everyone should have someone and that family is the most important thing. And remember how truly blessed you are- not just for having a family that loves you, but for having a roof to live under and a place to go when you are scared and alone. That is Thanksgiving.