Medical drama aside, we had a nice Thanksgiving for two. It was a quiet day, but we enjoyed good traditional food, and feel very blessed to have spent so many Thanksgivings together. Loneliness can set in when it is just the two of us, so my heart goes goes out to those who are alone for the Holidays.
Looking back on Thanksgivings over the years I think of the first one after we were married......we were separated by "Uncle Sam" and talked briefly on the phone since each phone call was costly "back in the days" before cell phones. Another one that stands out is our 2nd holiday together when I made my first turkey and had no clue there was a "bag" of goodies in the cavity OR that I should uncover the bird to brown it~ Haha And of course our often told story of our Thanksgiving in the Philippines where we were in the middle of a typhoon....ran out of gas for the stove and the electricity was shut off. We had jello, chips, pie, and a little half cooked turkey. We had candles for light for 4 days if I remember correctly. During that typhoon ( went throough 7 in 2 1/2 weeks) our maid Amphy stood at one door with a broom pushing water back out under the door and I did the same in the livng room at the main door. Joel was off at work as a meteorologist in the Air Force. Quite the experience! Another year my whole family gathered here and we took over the chuch fellowship hall and kitchen, cooking a BIG dinner for the many many who gathered. Good memories......
Speaking of memories, as I write this today I am listening to Christmas music, and a few songs from my favorite oldest Alabama Christmas "record"/CD is playing. It oridinally came out in 1985 and in CD form in 1998. It brings up old memories of when we decorated the tree as a family while listening to this music. It is the kind of memory that can make you smile while shedding tears at the same time.
My sister Jan's phone "broke" over Thanksgiving week and I have to say, I have really missed her texts or replies to mine. It is really a gift to be able to stay connected so easily, She and I still like to talk to each other......voices are so important. Texts are good, phone calls are better.....in person is the best! I like to share a story about when we were in the Philippines and phone calls were out of the question, cells nonexistent. We decided to send tape cassette recordings to each other. One day she got lonely and decided to listen to one of our cassettes. As she heard me talk she started to cry but then as it went on she realized it was HER talking about her family! We sounded so much alike that she was crying at the sound of her own voice.
Lots of reminiscing this week.....lots of memories......lots of wishing that wishes could come true......smiles....and tears......and so much to be grateful for during this Thanksgiving weekend.
I am so grateful for Joel's continual love and support. So grateful his cornea scraping is over and he's doing well today. Grateful my hospital stay was brief. Grateful for good food and of course pie and whipped cream for dessert! Grateful for memories that make us smile and even those who bring tears. Grateful our life story continues on....Grateful for Alabama Christmas songs, the outdoor lights up, and the tree will be next. Grateful for a warm home, a fireplace, phone calls, texts, emails, and photos that bring family close....and so much more!
Enjoy your weekend!
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