“Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing.” – Unknown

Dear Foundation Friends,

I am headed to family to celebrate Thanksgiving. It will be such a privilege to travel, and to sit around a table with them, savoring our rituals and banter. There is so much tenderness between us.

My parents had a peach orchard when I was growing up, where I learned the value of land and producing food. Now they have a lush garden that they tend. My mother is also an amazing cook, feeding anyone within shouting distance. I am grateful for these formative ideals – land, growing things, and caring for others.

Where is home for you? When you think about your childhood neighborhood, I bet you can identify it by smells and sounds and sights. The familiar and nostalgic create a home that stays in your heart.

I have a deep sense of home here in this valley. It’s not always easy living in a place that summons a fierce winter, where our population rises to bursting in summer. But it is sweet to live in this community of people who care for each other – the alpenglow and camaraderie are good for the soul. Living here, we acknowledge that this place is ours to nurture for those still making their way here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Here’s to where we are, rooted in a community that we can call home. This is where we choose, season after season, to belong. Thank you for being here.

With warm wishes,