Happy Thanksgiving Family!
I decided to add a post and a pic before I read all your other recent posts. It's been quite a week and I truly am thankful for a day of reflection. I look at these pictures of us - I bet they could be 'at least' 20 years ago. I'm so thankful for our lives and our history. Sure, we all have regrets about not doing this or that but, for the most part, we are a pretty solid group! No family fueds (many a bit to do with Jim) like many families have.
Thanksgiving always makes me start that silly emotional holiday thing. Expectations make me lose my common sense sometime - usually starts today and lasts until New Years. Not making any promises to do any drastic changes but just try to be aware of it. Whatever happened last year and the years before will probablyhappen this year - nothing worse. I'm not upset as I write, just reflective. And, reminded that it's another wonderful day to be alive!
Dan asked me if we used to have a big family Thanksgivings (fueling my expectations and longings) and, as I have said to him so many times, life changes all the time and people's lives go in all kinds of directions - kids have their own kids, families divorce bringing more people into obligatory get togethrs - more complications, more grandchildren, more things to juggle
What would I like at Thanksgiving? I would LOVE for all us to be together in one noisey house, being silly, making fruit salad, dressing, arguing over who is the favorite and having all those kiddies, dogs and additions running around. I only say that because for me that would be ideal but I do know that that is not practical or gonna happen. The feelings that I do have in my heart are ones of love, comfort and peace. I also know how special the times are when we do all get together and any day can be "thanksgiving day." I am amazed at all that has come our way in the past 20+ years and how we can still laugh and cry and hug and be more open and, most importantly, THANKFUL for what we have as sisters. I am sooooooooo thankful for you girls.
Being in the hospital and getting your worried calls and texts meant so much to me. I know you all care about me but there was something special about how you all reached out and I felt so loved.
Yep, we're getting old girlies. It's amazing, isn't it - and sometimes scary (rarely) thinking about things/hearts, hearing, etc. failing us. I feel certain that we will always have our wacky senses of humor and that will take us a long, long way. I want to go down laughing and being stupid!
Lots of love to all of you.
Gobble Gobble Gobble
I want those same things Liz. I have so many things to be thankful for and still I yearn for my family in Ohio. Those yearnings become so much stronger the older I get. Earl loves all of you, but has no desire to drive to Ohio for the holidays. He is so considerate of my wants in so many ways that I cannot fault him for that. I am at peace with that, but I would love to be with all of you - especially at Thanksgiving. It was always my favorite holiday. I love you all.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even mention the pictures which by the way are ancient. Lol Gawd we are all getting old - especially me. Yikes 70 in 6 months. We sure looked young in those pictures.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful too that you are a strong old broad with a strong heart.
And look at all the hair!
ReplyDeleteI understand your longing. However, I don't don't put that much emphasis on a date on the calendar. We do try to spend speccial time together with all our family and that is the part I miss. I miss spending more quality time with all my sibling's kids and all the spouses. I just have a hard time spreading it around when we are all stuffed in this little house. LOL
ReplyDeleteI too love the pics. I was glad to see Jim. I do miss his smart aleck self.
Thanks for your sharing your thoughts.