Songs have the power to mark events in our lives. They comfort us in the here and now, and provide memories that stay with us a lifetime. Here in the United States, we are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, a traditional time for extended family and friends to gather together and share a meal. But this year it will be different. We are not only having to find a way to celebrate without each other in the midst of a pandemic, but we are sharing this pandemic with our friends and neighbors around the world. I wanted this month’s song to reflect that, and for the lyrics to extend beyond our borders. As we have been hearing for nine months now, “We are all in this together.” I invite you to use this song mark gratitude wherever you can find it.

Ways to Use This Song
Use simple ASL signs with children ( with younger children, you may want
    to just sing first verse).

Make a slideshow of family photos, using photos that depict the lyrics,
    and use song as soundtrack.

I-Movie is simple to use if you have a Mac, and both Android and
    I-phones have free and inexpensive apps you can use.

Use instrumental track and make up and sing your own lyrics of gratitude.

Gratitude

I am grateful for my family, whether near or far away
I am grateful for the food we share, I am grateful every day
I am grateful for the time we spend together at work and play
I am grateful for a song to sing, I am grateful every day

I am grateful for my dearest friends whether near or far away
I am grateful for the memories, I am grateful every day
I am grateful for the time we spent together in many ways
I am grateful for a song to sing, I am grateful every day

I am grateful for this song we sing, I am grateful every day