Good Morning Wonderers,

I did not know how it was going to be done, this getting through Thanksgiving without falling apart.  This day made up of our traditions without the usual participants and their predictable actions.  The day just started revolving on it own without knowledge or interference.  It just revolved.

It started with an invitation, one that should have went out 6 years ago with the birth of the child that united our families.  This family may have never known the gratitude felt that they are apart of this child’s life and therefore are an extension to mines.  There should be no separation in a family that loves each other.  It should not matter how we became family only that we are and the fact that the invitation was accepted and honored really supports our hearts are kindred spirits and we have something in common.  The love of a child.

The menu kept changing as ingredients went missing, side dishes burnt up and things had to be restarted.  Laughter was constant and attitudes were adjusted and we got through it.  Some traditional dishes made it to the final list and some were deleted.  Some new items like the coconut cake were welcome along with the new guests.  Memories of thanksgiving past echoed throughout the kitchen especially last year’s challenge with no oven to use.  It was not a problem, just a chance to go back to a simpler time we shared.  The purchase of a roasting pan and the toaster oven saved the day.  The children experienced how back in our time it took all day to cook Thanksgiving dinner while we bake one thing at a time in the toaster oven.   There could have been nothing sweeter than to rejoice about this memory except for you being there and because of it you were.  Its funny how we sometimes do not recognize our blessings when they are happening but when realized they are the most precious moments of our lives.

All day news of family gatherings and events all around the world had a new meaning.  It felt good to hear that people where sharing the day with others and life was moving forward despite heartbreak and tragedy.  After dinner was over and the house was quiet there was a phone call from a hospital room.  Thank God that he is in control and every one is okay but there was a fleeting feeling.  A reminder that we need to be thankful for every moment of our life and for every person in our lives past, present and future.

The day ended with another phone call from my friend.  She knows God’s love and knows my heart.  She was calling to confirm everything felt today was real because she felt it too through her own circumstances.  So thankful for the many talks we have shared over the years and although I some times do not know how I am going to get through I’m Thankful we know….with God’s help this too shall pass.