Growing up, I was told the story of “The First Thanksgiving,” a feast that was purportedly a peaceful gathering of those who were indigenous to this country and those who just recently immigrated. In kindergarten and first grade, I remember making pilgrim hats and Native American headdresses, not realizing that there was more to the story.

But, of course there is. And there isn’t just one story. There’s the Trail of Tears, The Sand Creek Massacre, The Battle of Wounded Knee, and the countless events that have no official name in the history books. There are the reservations, the poor and often abusing education, the unwanted romanticism/ignorance of Native American culture, and the current struggle of Standing Rock.

To pretend that Thanksgiving is only about the meal and the family is ignoring history, something that we should never do, especially in this political climate. However, it means something different for everyone. For some it is unfortunately stressful because of family, lack of funds for a full Thanksgiving meal, grief, etc. I cannot speak for what this Thanksgiving will be for everyone, but I can speak for myself. During this Thanksgiving, this Thanksgiving which will be away from home, I am more aware of what I am thankful for than usual.

I am thankful for my intentional community.

I am thankful that in my community, I can cry, laugh, talk, be silent, and discover more of myself.

I am thankful for a bus system that can transport me to my nearby grandparents for Thanksgiving break.

I am thankful for the 7 little cousins that make dinner fun and interesting.

I am thankful for modern technology that keeps me touch with loved ones so easily.

I am thankful for love, which may be invisible often, but always overpowers hate.