So as Thanksgiving approaches I take the time like most Americans to reflect on what I am thankful for. This year’s Thanksgiving celebration will be a bittersweet celebration of the holiday as much about who isn’t at the table as it is about who is at the table.
I am thankful for my family, those who are here and those who aren’t. I miss my son and daughter who will be celebrating Thanksgiving at other tables this year, but I’m happy that they have those other tables to join. Jessica’s got a wonderful extended family and Jeffrey will be with my dad and brother’s family. And I miss my mom who’s been gone from our tables for two years now and I miss my Father-in-law who is away from our table for the first time. I think of the foods we made for him because he liked them – Brussels sprouts, deviled eggs, and the year I made him a mince meat pie. I think of the fact that Shelli and I know how to prepare a wonderful meal because of our mom teaching us to cook at a young age. Like I stated a bittersweet celebration.
I am so happy that Jeff is here for this holiday and not travelling – I missed him so much when he was gone. We have had a rollercoaster year so far – highest ups and lowest downs. But we have each other to lean on and share our joys and heartaches together. This year we got to travel together and make dreams come true that we have had since we first met. We walked the streets in Prague something we have talked of doing together since we first met. We watched our daughter receive her college degree. And now have the opportunity to make other dreams come true. I love you bb!
I am thrilled with my children – all strong and wonderful adults. Jeffrey will soon be home for a visit before going to basic training for his time in the US Navy. I will miss him and worry about him every day, but am happy for him to be able to pursue his dreams. Jessica who graduated college this year, and has set the date for her wedding. Cameron for going to college and work toward his goals. And my newest child – Adam whom I am so glad has joined us. They all make me so proud and I love them all so much.
I’m glad that my Dad will have family with him and that he has wonderful friends around him. I miss him so much, but am so happy that I get to talk to him on the phone often. Yay for technology that allows me not to have $500 phone bills just to call him and hear his voice.
I’m grateful that my mother-in-law has been my friend as well as my family for 27 years. I love her and am so glad that I have always felt a part of this family from the first day we met. She has had a rough year this year but I’m glad I can be here for her to lean on.
I am thankful that it is my sister’s birthday on Thanksgiving this year. I am so lucky to have her in my life and I’m glad we are close. I am grateful that we can laugh and cry together, she is someone I can vent to and lean on and I am glad to be that person for her also. I am happy that Jeff’s brother Jay whom I felt an immediate friendship with, and love for 27 years ago when we went out for a long night full of fun at Pizza Man so that we could get to know each other, married my sister and we’ve had wonderful long years of fun and frivolity since then. I love their children Mandilee and Jayson I’m so happy to be their aunt and watch them grow from beautiful little babies to wonderful people. And Pablo my brown nephew whom I love as much as if he was born into our family.
I’m grateful that my brother Allen joined our family all those years ago and that he brought Josie and their kids, Cody, Dylan and Logan into the fold. I wish so much that we lived closer and I could be there to watch them grow up also.
I am glad to have re-connected with Rick and Roni. Even though we don’t see each other much but it does feel better not to have walls anymore.
I am grateful for Jeff’s aunt Tootie whom has always been a wonderful joy in my life. And my uncle Jerry who reminds me so much of my Grandma that it makes me smile to see her in his face. Also my aunt Wilma, uncle James, and uncle Paul who have added wonderful memories to my childhood. I’m so grateful to have them all.
I am also so happy that I have re-connected with so many of my cousins – I love them all so much and all the years that we have lived all over the country had taken their toll on staying in contact. But I am so glad to be in contact with them now. They are wonderful people and a great big part of my heart.
For my friends both old and new – friends I’ve reconnected with through Facebook and am able to converse with there. As well as the friends whom I actually get to see because they live close. The people I laugh with, cry with, hug and sometimes want to shake! I am happy that their lives are moving forward and dreams are coming true among the group. I love that these are people whom I can be myself with – without reservation, my strengths and weaknesses are all open for this group of people and I love that I don’t feel judged among them. In return they can share their true selves with me without fear of judgment or condemnation. And that they all know they can count on me for whatever they need – I will always try to be there for them.
And I am so very thankful that I live in a country that I can feel free to state my opinions without fear of my government’s repercussion. That I am working and have a roof over my head and that all of my family is also clothed, housed, and fed. I am thankful that when we sit down to our Thanksgiving feast I know the food will be wonderful and plentiful. And I wish that everyone could also have this joy.
And finally I am happy if any of my friends or family took the time to read my long, self serving ramblings of what I am thankful for this year.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you all!
