Beautifully written essay. I loved what you said about Thanksgiving in celebrating the good in your life. Sounds like you are in good health. I was going to ask if you have a garden. As I get older, I try to walk outside every day for exercise and get some Vitamin D too. I try, though I don't always succeed.

On another note, reading lips is very challenging. It is Never too late to Learn Sign Language. I think Lingvano app offers a free seven day trial period for people interested in learning Sign Language.