Thanksgiving...but...

This is Thanksgiving weekend/2014 and I definitely have so much to be thankful for.  I have a devoted and loving husband who has shared the last 42 years of my life; we have 3 wonderful and caring sons; 2 precious daughters-in-law; 2 bright and funny grandsons, and a new grandchild on the way in April. What more can anyone want?  As always on a holiday, I am keenly aware of those loved ones who share the event, and those who are absent.  My dad has been gone for nearly 25 years but I feel the void all the time.  My uncle passed away in March and I was missing him, too, as we ate our turkey dinner.  My mother is a resident of a nursing home and unable to come to our celebrations--her absence is the one I felt the most.  She is in a peculiar "twilight zone" of life--she is alive, and yet not part of our family gatherings.  As I prepared the turkey, stuffing, yams, corn bread and apple cake I had her in my mind.  I remember her taking on the preparations for our family Thanksgivings with wonderful results.

So, I am thankful for all the blessings that give my life meaning.  I am also grateful for having a mother who fills my mind with pleasant memories; and who taught me all I needed to know for carrying on the time- honored traditions of holidays celebrated with family.  I missed you Mom, at our table, but your presence fills my heart. Thanksgiving would have less meaning if I didn't have the opportunity to stop and remember you and all I learned from your wonderful example.