My dad and sister died 19 days apart. My other siblings helped me with my grief.

Tech Insider : Business
Siblings sitting on couch
The author (third from the left on the couch) always got along with her siblings.

Courtesy of the author

My grandma always wanted to have our Thanksgiving pies for breakfast. I finally started the tradition when I had my own family.

Tech Insider : Business
Composite side-by-side image of the author and her son. On the left, they're at a pumpkin patch, smiling with a pumpkin, and on the right the author's son is eating pie for breakfast.
The author and her son have been eating pie for breakfast on Thanksgiving for 10 years.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I'm 46 and started doing things alone. I went to Disney World, saw movies, and dined solo without feeling bad about it.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman posing for photo
The author is in her mid-40s and has started doing things on her own.

Courtesy of the author

I want my 3 kids to learn in an environment that's right for them. We've done a mix that includes homeschooling, public, and private schools.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Style
The author poses with her children while traveling
The writer, pictured while traveling with her three kids, said she imagined her kids learning experientially through art and experiences.

Courtesy of Colleen Kelly

My college kid isn't coming home for Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. I understand school comes first now.

Tech Insider : Business
Erika Ebsworth-Goold and her son in california
The author's son isn't coming home from college this Thanksgiving.

Courtesy of Erika Ebsworth-Goold

I update my will regularly. I see it as an act of love and responsibility to my daughter.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author and her daughter embrace outside.
The author, shown with her daughter, sees having a will as an act of love and responsibility.

Courtesy of Bridget Shirvell

I moved my family from New York City to Puerto Rico 18 months ago. We love it here, but some things surprised us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
The author and her family in Puerto Rico.
The author and her family moved to sunny Puerto Rico in August 2024.

Courtesy of Sophie-Claire Hoeller

My dad sent me his estate document before I was ready to face it. I was glad he had when he died unexpectedly months later.

Tech Insider : Business
Man and child
The author's dad left her a document with all his estate information.

Courtesy of the author

We took our teenagers to New York City and acted like total tourists. It was the perfect way to see NYC with them.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her family in DUMBO.
The author and her family recently took a trip to NYC and enjoyed doing touristy activities together.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

My mom gave me the best gift 22 years ago — a handmade family recipe book

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author pictured opening birthday gifts in a photo that is saved in a recipe book that was gifted to her by her mother.
For the author's 13th birthday, she was gifted a recipe book filled with entries from friends and family.

Courtesy of Anne James.

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