November has always been a time to slow down and give thanks, yet it often feels like Thanksgiving gets overshadowed in the rush toward the winter holidays. This year, I want to bring the focus back to gratitude — the kind that’s lived out in small, meaningful ways.
As many of you know, this November is a tender one for me. It’s my birthday month — and the first one I’ll be spending without my “cousin twin.” He was 23 minutes older than me, which as kids felt like an eternity. I used to roll my eyes every time he reminded me, but as we grew older, I began to love that little detail. We were delivered by the same doctor, same hospital, and our moms are sisters — truly twins in every way that mattered.
Losing him has left a space that can’t be filled, but I’ve decided to honor him this month in the way he lived — through kindness. He was the “kinder twin” — the one always willing to lend a hand, share a smile, or help someone without being asked. He loved his family, his dog, Halloween, his bird, his snacks, and really good food. He was much more adventurous on that front than I’ll ever be. During his illness, my sister’s banana bread became his favorite comfort, though I haven’t yet been able to make or eat it myself. I know one day I will — and when I do, I’ll think of him.
So this November, in his honor and in celebration of Gratitude Month, I’ll be doing a random act of kindness every day. Big or small, each one will be a reminder that kindness carries on — that love continues through action.
I’ll be collecting cans for food banks, paying for coffees in drive-through lines, sending Thanksgiving cards, holding doors open, and hopefully inspiring a few smiles along the way.
If you have a favorite act of kindness you love to do — big or small — please send it my way. I’d love to add it to the list.
Here’s to a month of gratitude, giving, and remembering those who made our lives brighter.
Here’s to my twin — the kinder one — whose love and spirit I’ll carry forward every day.
