Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather around tables with turkey and pumpkin pie, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the year gone by and express gratitude for the journey. When I’m sad, down, or discouraged, and there’s a lot of that surrounding us in the world lately, I like to focus on five things I’m grateful for. Sometimes, it starts with the small joys – like finding the other pair of my boy’s socks in the pile of four loads of laundry chaos scattered on the floor.
I am also thankful for singing duets with my mom. Life has a way of presenting challenges, and for my mom, living with dementia has brought its share of them. Its usually the moments when she repeats the same question multiple times, I pause to avoid my frustration that bubbles within me, and I’ve discovered an extraordinary remedy-the power of music and something magical happens.
In my family, the soundtrack of our gatherings has always been the iconic ‘Starmaker’ from the 1982 TV series Fame. The beauty of music is its ability to break barriers of time and memory. Despite the challenges, my mom harmonizes with me in perfect pitch, as if the song holds the key to unlocking shared memories. Any traces of frustration immediately goes away, and we end as if we’ve just given a show-stopping performance.
As chaos surrounds you, this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the small victories and everyday blessings.
This year has been a remarkable journey, launching “The Legend of Tessie Agana” with Mama Tessie. The ability to connect with fans has been a dream come true for us. Your support, enthusiasm, and engagement have made this incredibly rewarding.
As we give thanks on this special day, remember that gratitude has the power to transform our outlook and bring joy even in the midst of difficulties. I’m thankful for the connections we’ve made and the memories that tie us together. May your holiday season be filled with warmth, reflection, and the simple joys that make life truly special.
I can picture you signing with your beautiful Mom. Keep smiling, keep singing—much love to you and your family.