It’s amazing to me how Thanksgiving, that American creation of enforced family togetherness and in-your-face reflection, so often manages to deliver positively on both promises. Remarriage has remade so many families, injecting equal parts drama and richness. I’m sorry for those who are split, literally and emotionally. I hate the thought of so many dreading what should be a warm and comforting day, even if you don’t have the picture-perfect football game before dinner.

In my case, though, it’s made my gratitude list even longer-I am thankful for so much, but especially:

• My long-awaited daughter, the Thanksgiving baby who turns 16 this year. Good things come to those who wait.
• My husband, who wanted so much to be a dad, and shows me daily that he’s one of the best.
• My in-laws (both current and past), proving that family add-ons can actually multiply the love. And I thank them for understanding we can celebrate holidays more than once.
• My crazy family, who manages to keep up the tradition, wherever the venue. We’ll miss those of you who must make the trek to other family tables, with exes and steps and more. We won’t promise not to talk about you, but will fill you in on all the jokes you missed.
• The fates or higher power (whatever), who gave us divorces without long-lasting rancor, and exes who even manage to be friendly. It’s so much easier for moving on.

I wish you all this, and more. Happy Thanksgiving!