Today we talked with dozens of people at Sky Harbor Airport, coming into town from all across the country. The common bond for everyone I met: Family and being together is the most important thing on this hHoliday.
In a world where so many families and loved ones live separate live, Thanksgiving is a time for them to come together.
Jared Hopkins—welcomed back by his entire family after a 2-year mission in Argentina—says he’s so grateful to be home.
“Honestly, it feels fantastic! It feels super good. And honestly, the timing couldn’t be better to be here on Thanksgiving," said Hopkins, who lives in Gilbert.
"It feels fantastic to have him home. We just feel really lucky," said his Mom, Jannelle Hopkins.
As the Hopkins welcomed their son home, Sarah Post was sending her 6-year-old daughter Ava off to see her grandparents in Florida.
We asked Ava her favorite part of Thanksgiving.
"When we spend time with people," she said.
"It’s so important because they haven’t seen each other in 5 years. So it’s going to be good for both of them. I want her to have a great time and get to know her family. I am going to miss her, but I’ll be fine," said Post.
As our 12 News cameras rolled we captured lovebirds Torsten Lau and Jesse Dibel, who met while studying abroad in Australia. Tortsen got here just in time to celebrate the holiday.
Their favorite part of Thanksgiving is each other.
"Just being together," said Dibel.
"I’ve never experienced Thanksgiving so this is great," said Lau.
The Wanzeks flew in to see family.
"I would have to say the food and being around the family," Joe Wanzek said was his favorite part of Thanksgiving.
So, whether it’s a hug that welcomes someone home, a kiss that says how much you've been missed, or the pain and joy of sending someone off to see their loved ones…remember Thanksgiving is about being together, until we, once again, must go our separate ways.
So remember tell that loved one how much they mean to you this Thanksgiving.