Publisher's Note

As I sit here preparing this issue, Michigan is beginning to take on its Autumn wardrobe. The trees are draped with warm Fall colors of red, orange, and gold. Although I love Summer and the long warm days at the beach, Fall is my favorite time of the year. To look out on the rolling hills and see the breathtaking color is to sit and gaze upon the works of the Master Artist’s hands. I am always awed.

Another Fall favorite, heading off to Jacob’s Corn Maze or Friske’s Farm Market on the weekend and being greeted with the crisp, cool air necessitating the wearing of my favorite hoodie sweatshirt. With the delectable smell of fresh donuts and apple cider overwhelming me as we drive up to the farm store, I decide I live in the most amazing place on earth - at least until January.

Finally, a trip to a local orchard to pick apples is a fun family Autumn tradition! There is nothing like trekking down the isles of fruit-laden trees, seeking the perfect delicious apples to take home. Some never make their intended destination as these apples are reminiscent of the original “forbidden fruit” with their temptation to eat them! I love to hear the snap of that first bite as I sink my teeth into the yummy flesh and enjoy the sweet juices as they drip down my chin and hand. Awe, Northern Michigan in the Fall! It’s the best!

Of course, another mile-marker along the seasonal road is Thanksgiving! Time with family, traditional comfort food, and if you are a fan, football!

This Thanksgiving, I know one thing I will be very grateful for, YOU. This year more than ever, I have reflected on the freedoms I enjoy and how I don’t particularly appreciate having my freedoms taken away. It has caused me to reflect on how truly grateful I am for the sacrifices men and women have made for me to enjoy these precious freedoms! So, this Thanksgiving, I hope this issue finds you happy, healthy, and aware that there are MANY of us out here who are so very thankful for what you have sacrificed so WE could have and enjoy what we have. I hope that GATHER Veterans magazine continues to be a resource you can look to for encouragement, inspiration, education, and resources to help in your times of need.

Happy Veterans Day. Happy Thanksgiving. Merry Christmas. Until January 2021.

God bless you, and may God bless America during this time of such uncertainty.

Hannah Bouwmeester Publisher