I'm guilty. I never realized how much, but I have taken my blessings for granted, big time. Four sisters, two parents and in laws all within driving distance here in Northern, CA. That's a pretty big blessing, but an even bigger one? We all get along. Better than that, we all love each other and enjoy time spent together. Pretty Hallmark, huh?
I thought it would always be like that. I mean sure, my brain realized that people would age and health would deteriorate, but my heart sure didn't believe that. This year, my heart cannot deny the fact that there are family members suffering, with mobility that's compromised, pain that continues in spite of what doctors can throw at it. Will we all be together this year? I still cannot accept that it might not happen, that pain and mobility and suffering would overshadow our Hallmark celebration. My brain can accept it, but my heart cannot.
I finally understand why holidays are so difficult for some because blessings don't last forever, even though the love does. Do you have loved ones that you can't celebrate with this Thanksgiving? How do you keep them close to your heart?
Dana - how nice that you're thinking about those you love and how to keep them in your heart. My husband and I are approaching the 'can't-last-forever' group. I'm disgustingly healthy, but his diabetic neuropathy has gotten dramatically worse in the last month, and other issues keep interfering with his ability to keep fighting. But he does. Just know that however compromised our outsides appear, inside we are still the parents who adored you, the in-laws who were so glad you joined our family, the life-friends who will love you forever even after we're gone. Don't worry about keeping us near - we've made our place with you and will be there always. Happy Thanksgiving. Don't be sad - those are the most beautiful little girls!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Muriel. Just feeling a little melancholy, I guess. I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteDana, My family and extended family sounds a lot like yours. But after my girls both got married it became harder to plan the gatherings that included extended family and all. We hosted a few of those glorious times. Then distance and death curtailed many of our larger gatherings. As grand-kids got jobs and I pulled back from holiday travel, now I have to be content with phone calls. They truly aren't the same. But we muddle on as we must, and are lucky to have so many good memories to help us smile.
ReplyDeleteThose memories are blessings, to be sure, Roz!
ReplyDeleteI think about my parents who are no longer with everyday and also my little brother who died way too soon.they all have a huge part of my heart and will never be forgotten. It is making me cry to read your post, but good tears. Love always wins through
ReplyDeleteLove is the most powerful force on earth, isn't it, Eleanor? I guess that's why we all love to read/write romance! Thanks for the comment. Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteFor quite a few years, it's just been me and my mom at Thanksgiving...the part of the family we used to spend it with moved away. But we make it special by decorating the Xmas tree and cooking old family recipes. You're right...I can only imagine how difficult it is for those without loved ones to share the special day with. Peace and love. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and your mom, Anna! :)
ReplyDeleteThis will be my first Thanksgiving without my mom, so I understand melancholy. Hope you have a good Thanksgiving. Those girls are adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patricia. I hope you have a good Thanksgiving. :)
DeleteThinking of you, Dana. Patricia too. We are hoping to see both sons for Thanksgiving but a Northeast snowstorm may prevent our trip. If so, we'll try to FaceTime. I'm near that point too, Roz, when I don't want to travel in winter. Happy Thanksgiving, all.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Hoping for a good weather window for you, Leigh!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas together with your family, despite all the physical problems they may have.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marion. I hope your holiday is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe changes are sad, but memories are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Liz! :)
DeleteHugs, Dana. This year, my sisters are spending Thanksgiving at my parents' house in a different state, which means we'll be having a small celebrations with just our immediate family. But we are constantly on speaker phone or texting, so we're still in touch, even if it's not the same. I'll admit I'm enjoying relaxing with my kids and playing board games...perhaps bc I just won at Monopoly ;) lol.
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