As the Thanksgiving season wraps us in its familiar warmth, I find myself reflecting on gratitude—not just for the holiday itself, but for the blessings that carry us through every season of the year. Thanksgiving reminds us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the people and moments that make our lives meaningful. But gratitude, I’ve learned, is a year-round companion if we let it be.

Family has a way of grounding us, lifting us, and helping us grow. I’m thankful for my children, who continue to teach me about resilience, patience, and love. I’m especially thankful for my grandchildren—Tiny Heroes who light up ordinary moments with curiosity and joy. They remind me daily why we write the stories we do. Their small acts of bravery, kindness, and wonder inspire every page we create. Through them, we see the world through new eyes.

Some of my most peaceful moments come from stepping into the forest, where the trees stand like patient teachers. Hiking through quiet trails fills me with gratitude for the beauty around us—the rustle of leaves, the scent of pine, the crunch of the snow, the way sunlight filters through the branches. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down. To listen. To notice. It teaches us that even in stillness, there is growth.

Writing has always been a way to express gratitude. Whether crafting stories for children or capturing memories in a journal, putting words on a page helps preserve the moments that might otherwise slip by. When we create our children’s books, we are celebrating the Tiny Heroes in our lives—those small hands and big imaginations that change the world in ways adults sometimes forget to see. Through writing, we hold on to those small miracles and share them with others.

The holiday season can also bring tender memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. While we miss them deeply, their love continues to live in our hearts and in the stories we tell. They shaped who we are, and their presence is woven into our traditions, our laughter, and our quiet moments of reflection. Gratitude allows us to honor their memory with warmth rather than sorrow—thankful that we had them, thankful that their influence lives on.

Thanksgiving may come once a year, but the reasons to be thankful surround us every day.

As we continue creating books about the Tiny Heroes in our lives, we carry these gratitude-filled moments with us. They shape our stories, our days, our hearts and our lives.

May your Thanksgiving—and every day that follows—be filled with reminders of the beauty, love, and wonder in your life.

A Note About The Tiny Hero Series

At the heart of our work is The Tiny Hero Series, a collection of stories inspired by the courage and wonder we see in young children every day. The series follows a tiny Elf Owl who helps save Christmas, uncovers the mystery of the dimming Northern Lights, and guides a lost little star named Nova back home to her place in the sky – all with her four best friends. These adventures celebrate bravery, kindness, and the magic that lives inside every child—and every Tiny Hero.

Continue the Adventure With Us

If you’re looking for stories that celebrate courage, curiosity, and the magic of childhood, we invite you to explore our books and meet the Tiny Heroes who inspire us every day. We hope their adventures bring joy, wonder, and a little sparkle to the children in your life.

Family Ink: The Mother and Son Storytelling Team