Have you invited someone to Thanksgiving dinner?

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Last Wednesday night I did something that I usually don't do, I invited someone that I hardly know to Thanksgiving dinner. The lady doesn't have anyone that is close to her (like family or close friends) and she positively glowed when I invited her to come to my house for dinner. I had been wanting to do something like that for quite a few years. There are a lot of lonely people out there that spend Christmas and Thanksgiving alone. People have gotten so involved with themselves that they forget about people that they might only casually know. I decided it was past time for me to reach out and touch someone else's life. I just sent her an email telling her NOT to get dressed up for dinner, that we are a very casual pair (my boyfriend is going to be eating with us) and we seldom wear anything fancier than a pair of blue jeans and a tee shirt. The lady I invited is a very delightful woman who has a remarkable sense of humor. She is very bright and just recently retired from the Army. She sits beside me in my Human Relations class and we have shared a lot of giggles together. I was thrilled when she accepted my invite, but then it dawned on me that I haven't done a total floor to ceiling cleaning in a few years because of my heart problem. The house isn't totally filthy, but it isn't operating room clean either. So, I sent the email and let her know that I'm not the world's best housekeeper that it isn't as neat as a pin...hopefully that isn't going to make a difference. Have you invited someone you know will be alone to come to Thanksgiving dinner? My parents did it when I was 6 years old (I remember it so well) and we had a wonderful time. I am hoping that this time works out well too. When you're out there getting ready for the holiday, stop and think about someone you know that might be alone for the holiday and their dinner will be a turkey T.V. dinner. If you have enough extra, invite them to dine with you. One more person isn't going to destroy your budget and the good feeling will be well worth the little bit extra. The holiday season is for sharing, not only with the people closest to you but also those who don't have anyone to share their lives.