Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Ever since my dad passed away, I host my nine brothers and sisters and their families in a rented backyard tent where we serve a feast of turkey, my sister Susan’s cream corn, and my special onion-laced mashed potatoes.

Making the potatoes is especially enjoyable now that my four daughters join me in cleaning, pealing, mashing, and of course taste-testing. We always use my mom’s beat-up, pink-handled potato masher, and it gives me a chance to talk about the terrific grandma they never met.

This annual get-together represents the continuity of life. We never have everyone present anymore as the married nieces and nephews take turns between the Josephson Thanksgiving and one given by their in-laws. And hardly a year goes by without one or more births.

Inevitably, someone in the family is bearing the burdens of a personal tragedy while others are in the midst of a joyous occasion. Whatever is going on, it’s soul nurturing to pause and fill our cups with gratitude for all the things we have to be thankful for.

Although I sometimes feel like I’m wearing out, Thanksgiving reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.

I absolutely love being a dad. I adore each of my five children and get endless joy from seeing them grow and learn. I love being the husband and friend of Anne, a lady of endless talent and heart who has found fulfillment in her new venture, the Josephson Academy of Gymnastics. And, of course, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my ideas and possibly impact lives through these commentaries and other work with Josephson Institute.

This is Michael Josephson, one very thankful guy, wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and reminding you that character counts.