Sunday, November 30, 2008

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving this year didn't feel like Thanksgiving. We were kindly invited to a gorgeous home, ate wonderful food and enjoyed good wine. It was a lovely afternoon and I am so glad we were not alone to face the vast emptiness of my Mama's empty chair. And I have so much for which I am thankful, no matter how unreal Thanksgiving felt this year.
I am thankful I had a wonderful Mama who was a true believer in Southern hospitality. Her door, her kitchen and her heart were always open to anyone in need of mothering. She fed, advised, nurtured and loved a remarkable number of my friends, my sister's friends, my Dad's friends and anyone else in need of somewhere to go or somebody to love them.
I am thankful I had a Mama that I loved but also truly liked. I am thankful she and my Daddy had such a happy marriage, thankful they were best friends as well as sweethearts. I am thankful for the love and understanding of so many friends who "get" that this year has not been easy. I am especially thankful for Prankster who is always there to make me laugh, listen to me cry, hug me, call me and sometimes even make me laugh and cry at the same time. I am thankful for my sweet husband who truly misses my Mama, too. I am thankful for my darling kiddos who say "Remember how Granny would ..." or "I'm really missing Granny today because...." or "Granny would really think that was funny". I am thankful my children and niece have such precious memories of a Granny who loved them like crazy. I am thankful I still have a sister and a Daddy to make this difficult journey with me. I am thankful that my sister understands crying over tupperware and other bizarre things. I am even thankful God allowed us to be the ones in need of somewhere to go this year. We are truly blessed.

1 comment:

Kelly said...

I am thankful that I met you and your family. I'm so sorry this has been a tough time for you. I'm glad you are surrounded by such a loving family that will help each other get through. Hope to see you soon!