Dear Family,
Once again, we will gather for turkey and all the trimmings this Thanksgiving. Trump remains a pain in my rump, but I have decided to rise above it. Things change. Life goes on. But the turkey is still moist as ever. Although it seems quite foolish to say it, here are the house rules:
Politics is definitely spoken here. If you can’t defend your choices, you deserve the ridicule. If you can defend your choices, enjoy the conversation, and ultimately agree to disagree when needed. I don’t have a problem if you don’t agree with me.
Mary, those boys of yours have grown old enough to know better. Mud on my carpet is about as welcome as Rhonda’s bible quotes. I’ll get both whether I like it or not, so you’ll get my dirty looks whether you like it or not. And tell that middle one he can wear whatever he wants. We all come with our differences. He’s unique and that’s what I love about him. It’s what makes life special. Not everything needs to make sense. God made mosquitos. There’s no sense in that.
I want everyone to feel loved. If I get your pronoun wrong, just let me know. Some of you call me Grandma and some of you call me MeMaw. That’s fine with me. Why should pronouns be any different? Making someone feel comfortable is just good manners.
Once again, I don’t do special diets. Turkeys die. Potatoes have starch. Bread has gluten. Butter has fat. Tea without sugar is a waste of time. My Thanksgiving meal has a million calories. That’s why it tastes so good. If you’re fat, jog to my house. We’re a big family in more ways than one, and this meal isn’t going to change the size of your backside. If you need something special, bring it. You have two hands and I have a front door you can carry it through. I’m ok with that. It just leaves more of the good stuff for everyone else. But if you need my oven or my stove, you’re out of luck. I’ll be using both.
Cloe, go ahead and bring your Jell-O salad again. It’s the only thing that jiggles more than me. After this many years, if you still think someone is actually going to eat it, well then bless your heart. That much optimism is a good thing in the world today regardless of how delusional it is.
And speaking of the world today, we have a whole new generation coming into this family and we need to be thinking of their world. The trash bin is on the left and the recycling bin is on the right. Plastic bottles are out, and cans are in. I have no idea if that makes the world better, but if you open it (can or bottle) you finish it. I am tired of every year throwing out bottle after bottle of half empty drinks. It’s just wasteful.
Now, if you have small kids, I expect a hug and a kiss. In return they can have all the pie and Ranger cookies they want. But I am not your babysitter. I have nice things. Watch your kids. I swear, some of them could trip over a cordless phone. If they have an accident, clean it up. And if they break something, clean it up and then buy me a new one for Christmas.
God is great and God is good. But this family has grown in size over the years and many new faces are around the table. God means different things to different people. I never expected we would all agree about everything, but not agreeing about anything… I didn’t see that coming. We might have had our differences in the past, but intolerance won’t be tolerated. If you don’t believe in gay marriage, don’t marry a gay person. If you don’t believe in abortion, don’t have one. If you don’t believe in the results of the 2020 election, don’t bother bringing it up because after three years of listening to that bullshit, I’m calling bullshit. Get over it.
Happy Thanksgiving. I’m thankful to still be here.
Margaret and Helen 
Trump
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By: Anonymous on January 17, 2024
at 12:51 AM
Was looking for yall Christmas letter..lol I’m sure u had trump in every sentence..what’s the latest
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By: Anonymous on January 1, 2024
at 9:15 PM
[…] excuse. Margaret and Helen are back, with Helen inviting the family to a wonderful Thanksgiving, seasoned with a stern warning. Key warning: We might have had our differences in the past, but intolerance won’t be […]
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By: Monday Blog Choices: Gaza, Trump, Rudy, Abortion Rights, Stern Holiday – FairAndUNbalanced.com on December 18, 2023
at 12:42 AM
I’ve it, even if I was late in reading it!
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By: Anonymous on December 12, 2023
at 12:50 PM
Love getting your messages. I need the smiles you bring me.
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By: Anonymous on December 5, 2023
at 1:31 PM
So nice to hear from Helen! Keep ’em coming!
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Edmund Burke
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By: connie lehmen on December 1, 2023
at 2:53 PM
I love you so much! ❤
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By: Anonymous on December 1, 2023
at 12:11 PM
Keeping it real as alway!
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By: janicead on November 28, 2023
at 3:37 PM
I’m always thankful for you two, Margaret and Helen. You brighten my day, give me hope, and provide new (and wonderful) expressions!
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By: Pat Zanger on November 28, 2023
at 6:48 AM
I’m thankful for you, Helen.
Kay of Musings
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By: Musings From Hawaii on November 26, 2023
at 3:44 PM
Thank you for summing it up beautifully!
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By: Anonymous on November 26, 2023
at 1:52 PM
This is priceless and just what I needed todsy. I loved it!!!
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By: Anonymous on November 26, 2023
at 1:43 PM
Helen n Margaret.. luv u guys so entertaining i must say..i think u luv president Trump more than u think u do..u talk way too much about him ..so if I’m correct u may be seeing him in about 1 year.. those crazy republican Americans still want him back in the whit house n will vote for him.. economy n freedoms no was n safety was his thing n maybe it was his job ad president..
Again, I think you both secretly are in luv with him.. puppy luv maybe.. like a kid that says bad things because u can’t stop thinking about them..enjoyed ur post!!
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By: Anonymous on November 25, 2023
at 8:30 PM
Cynical much? Wow.
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By: Anonymous on November 25, 2023
at 7:02 PM
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By: Jan Greenberg - Comcast on November 25, 2023
at 4:39 PM
I need more Margaret and Helen in my life. Always.
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By: Anonymous on November 25, 2023
at 10:06 AM
Amen .
🙏👍🏼❤️
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 10:04 PM
Margaret and Helen, thanks for another great letter. With each of your letters, I can always depend on some good chuckles and on the reassurance that at least there’s a corner of sanity, good sense, and kindness left in the world. From Botetourt County, Virginia, best Thanksgiving wishes to you!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 8:30 PM
I am thankful for you! I am thankful for your love-filled truths. My sister brought her jello salad! It didn’t quite make the trip from Del Rio, Tx to Castroville, Tx. But it did jiggle more than my rear, and it’s symbolic of times and traditions past. Have a fantastic weekend!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 5:08 PM
So good to hear from you again. Hope all went well and no mud on your carpet!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 3:29 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this – it is priceless. Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 11:46 AM
[…] https://margaretandhelen.com/2023/11/22/thanksgiving-letter-to-the-family-3/ […]
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By: Is Thanksgiving Over? – yoyoliving on November 24, 2023
at 11:39 AM
Fabulous!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 11:30 AM
Your letter made me LOL. Hope your Thanksgiving was fabulous. We love you.
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 10:52 AM
You are so real – a free spirit!
Love you!
Rev. Beth
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By: Beth Braxton on November 24, 2023
at 10:33 AM
Helen, I just can’t figure out this newish system that keeps jumping around when I try to talk to you. That was me, HRHSofyaEQ. I will not allow computers to manipulate me.
Stay well.
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 8:47 AM
Helen, I just can’t figure out this newish system that keeps jumping around when I try to talk to you. That was me, HRHSofyaEQ. I will not allow computers to manipulate me.
Stay well.
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By: HRHSofyaEQ on November 24, 2023
at 8:46 AM
I love your stories, you always make me laugh. “trip over a cordless phone” had me laughing out loud. I have 20 for our holiday dinners and I completely agree with you. Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 8:42 AM
Hello Helen, it’s so good to hear from you once again on this most favorite holiday. You’ve been an essential part of my day for so many years. Now we’re all getting old together. The one advantage I’ve found is that sometimes, the younger will listen to us. I think they understand we’ve seen and experienced some of those events that have become history. We have some knowledge of the way some of those events went down. I was just about 20 when those little children were escorted by armed guards into school, past screaming mothers who preferred segregation for their children. I know, it’s hard to believe, especially when you’ve never been taught real history in school.
Seems the best thing we can do is just keep telling it like it is. Thank you Helen, for telling it like it is.
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 8:38 AM
No truer words have been spoken!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 8:23 AM
Well, I don’t put sugar in my tea or my coffee for that matter. I hope that I would be welcomed into your house! Love you!
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 5:35 AM
Thanks so much for writing this! Yep, I think lots of folks could print this, change the names and nail it to the door! Happy Turkey day; your photos look dandy! Linda in Kansas
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By: Anonymous on November 24, 2023
at 1:55 AM
Thanks Helen! Enjoyed it. Glad you are still here. Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:59 PM
And, I say, “Yes, mam”, again
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 10:42 PM
Yes, mam
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 10:40 PM
Amen!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 9:34 PM
Just loved your column(s). You are another thing to be thankful for!!!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 9:16 PM
You are a treasure
With admiration,
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By: Jane Stiglitz on November 23, 2023
at 9:08 PM
An God made Adam n eve..a he n a she..
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 9:04 PM
Thanksgiving wishes to you all!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 5:57 PM
What a treat to get back from Thanksgiving dinner and find this in my mailbox. ❤
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 5:44 PM
I love me some Holiday Helen and Margaret! Happy Thanksgiving Dear Ones All!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 5:39 PM
Holiday love to you and your family!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 5:18 PM
Thanks for making my Thanksgiving special! I agree with 99% of your philosophy! Have a great holiday!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 4:58 PM
Your letters always make my day…and today I am especially thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 3:48 PM
Well said. Happy thanksgiving to you both yours.
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 3:23 PM
Thank you, Margaret and Helen. Your world is kind, accepting, and just what we all need moving forward.
Happy Thanksgiving! And thank you for sharing. Pat
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By: westvernon on November 23, 2023
at 3:08 PM
Merry Bird Day, I’m Indian so I don’t celebrate T Day. After all, we only invited them to dinner. We didn’t ask them to stay. Judge Sally Willett (Ret.)
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By: messingertiger on November 23, 2023
at 2:10 PM
Thank you! You make me smile. We must be similar in age. Whole lotta what you say hits the home.
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 2:04 PM
As always, the voice of reason & sanity. Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours.
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 1:31 PM
Helen, you always make me smile when you post. My wife called this one “Perfect!”
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 1:30 PM
Love these helen- keep them coming and stay well!!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 1:24 PM
Cynical much? WOW
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 1:01 PM
Made me smile to see your post today!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 12:27 PM
RIGHT ON!!!!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 12:25 PM
YOU NAILED IT ON THE HEAD AND BOTTOM – PERFECTLY!!!!!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 12:24 PM
God bless both of you! So good to hear from you, especially on Thanksgiving! What a gift!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:49 AM
I love your outlook, Helen – thanks for being here to share it with us! Wishing you and your family many Thanksgiving blessings. ❤
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:09 AM
You are the bright spot in this so far miserable day. Thank you!♥
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:06 AM
You ladies ROCK!! Hope you have a fantastic day!! Keep up the good work!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:05 AM
Love your post, as usual. You’re my kind of person!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:02 AM
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Wishing you all the best and cannot wait to read your posts this next year. Pure insanity that can only be explained by your brilliant talented mind.
Stay strong!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 11:02 AM
So glad to hear from you ladies! And your Thanksgiving letter is the best!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 10:54 AM
Glad to get another of these “Margaret” flavored letters for Thanksgiving. Enjoy your holiday!
| “Sometimes we make our lives harder by how we inhabit them.” – B. H. |
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By: acebureaucratyahoocom on November 23, 2023
at 10:19 AM
Still love ya, Helen!
Sent from my iPhone
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By: Annette Carr on November 23, 2023
at 9:37 AM
You said it well!
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By: Carol Baker on November 23, 2023
at 9:32 AM
Helen,
Same, same for me!
I look forward to your Thanksgiving Letter to my family every year & savor it the morning of..
Thank you & the best for the holidays!
Rebecca
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By: rebecca abovokc.com on November 23, 2023
at 9:12 AM
I’m thankful th
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By: Carla on November 23, 2023
at 9:08 AM
I love you and love getting your blog posts! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all those around your table.There will be just two of us around ours, and for the first time I ordered a Thanksgiving dinner for two from the grocery store.
With so few dishes to do, I’m pulling out the antique turkey plates that my uncle obtained from a movie theater back in the 1930s and will hand wash them when we’re done.
I treasure your posts and your frank opinions. Keep them coming!
Happy Holidays,
Laurie Basile Brookfield, Wisconsin
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By: Laurie Basile on November 23, 2023
at 8:08 AM
Now this is what I call a Happy Thanksgiving to me from you!
I like it so much I’m sharing on social media. Bless your hearts.
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By: Sheila Morris on November 23, 2023
at 7:44 AM
I love your letters!
Joyce
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By: Joyce Gerrick on November 23, 2023
at 7:36 AM
I am thankful we are still alive. Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: jono51 on November 23, 2023
at 7:28 AM
Margaret and Helen, You are the BEST! We love all of your letters and really appreciate your effort and ability to say what we feel. Happy Thanksgiving to you 🦃🦃🦃🦃
John D
Get TypeApp for Android
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By: John T. Domino on November 23, 2023
at 6:48 AM
Love you lots!!
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By: Valerie on November 23, 2023
at 6:12 AM
I love this as usual! I’ve missed your posts!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 6:00 AM
Amen! I wish I had the courage to talk to my family like this! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that everyone finished there beverages!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 5:16 AM
Always a delight and a treasure – hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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By: snoringKatZ on November 23, 2023
at 3:56 AM
I have followed “Margaret & Helen” for years. I think you’ll get a kick out of this one.
Peter S H
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By: VtxPete on November 23, 2023
at 3:53 AM
Love to you and yours .Happy Thanksgiving Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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By: Lmddg on November 23, 2023
at 3:32 AM
Love you!
The joy of getting older is no longer having to mince your words.
Have a joyful day!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 3:18 AM
God bless, you darlin’. I love ya.
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By: Larry Mandelberg on November 23, 2023
at 1:45 AM
Bravo! So Happy to hear from you again.
Happy Holidays
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 12:41 AM
Gosh, I love your Thanksgiving letters! Thank you and enjoy!
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By: Anonymous on November 23, 2023
at 12:08 AM
Still as good as ever. Wish you could be USA President.
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:58 PM
And we’re thankful you’re here too!
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:57 PM
Madam, still as good as ever, still wish you could be President.
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:55 PM
Love this! Keep ’em coming!
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:47 PM
I wish you were my MeMaw.
Happy Thanksgiving ❤️
Aloha🌺
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:25 PM
You’re the best! I’m sharing your TG message!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ann
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:24 PM
AND turn off your cell phones and put them away before you fill your plate!
Saxon Johnson
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By: WakeUpAmerica on November 22, 2023
at 11:17 PM
Love this Helen.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:12 PM
You are so wise. What a wonderful post to start a holiday about giving thanks and reminding us all to be decent human beings. I’m going to share with friends and family. Thank you!
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:10 PM
❤️👏👏👏
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:05 PM
Love you Grandma
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By: Anonymous on November 22, 2023
at 11:03 PM