Hagrid

Thanksgiving 2024.

I spent this Thanksgiving with two of my friends doing a mini roadtrip to Solvang. On our way back to LA, we stopped by this vista point near Cachuma Lake off the 154. As we pulled off on this little dirt road, we stumbled across this sweet older lady with her dog named Hagrid camping with another couple just enjoying the view. We all smiled and waved as we walked by them to take a gander at the breathtaking view ourselves and take some quick photos.

The 3 of them were sitting next to each other and were sharing things they were thankful for. The sweet lady said, “I am thankful that I got to meet you two and I’m not spending Thanksgiving alone.”

This brief spontaneous 5-10 min stop during our roadtrip turned into a moment that made me pause and reflect. While holidays can be a joyful time for many, it can also be a lonely and sorrowful time for some. Whether it’s emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, financial, relational hardships, (etc)… life can take it’s toll on our hearts, minds, and body.

Be kind to one another. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself. It really is okay to not be okay sometimes as we reflect on the rough patches in our lives… just don’t forget to see and dwell on the good also even if it seems like there isn’t much of it. The good is what can keep us afloat and give us hope for another day.