Happy Thanksgiving

Recently attending a Bar Mitzvah in Illinois, hubby and I first stayed with his sister and bro-in-law in Indiana a couple of days. The first morning I rose to a quiet, sleeping house and tip-toed into the kitchen to make coffee. Rounding the corner a small, flickering glow on the counter caught my attention. A candle on a saucer. A tradition, I later learned. My brother-in-law lights a candle each year on the anniversary of his father's death. There are many traditions in the Jewish faith, and I find this particular one the most simple yet the most revered in my heart. The simple act of love and respect for a father long gone.

Mort & Linda


My Thanksgiving List

I am thankful for my lovely sister-in-law, Linda, who battled breast cancer and won this year. Her courage and strength shined like a beacon for us all. I love you dearly, Linda.

I am thankful for my wonderful brother-in-law, Mort, who has taught me all manner of things Jewish, who delights me with his sense of humor, who humbles me with his kindness. I love you, Mort.

I am thankful for my mother, her health, her wisdom, her wacky silly sense of humor and her friendship and love. I love you, mom.

I am thankful for my father who has kicked his stroke in the pants and came back full of piss and vinegar and ready to take on the world. You go guy. I love you, dad.

I am very, very, very, very thankful for my entire family tree on all three sides! My own branch of the tree (despite the nuts), my husband's branch and my step branch. Family is where it's at. I love you all very, very, very much.

I am VERY thankful for my friends!!!!! OMG, I could NOT live without my friends!!!!! (you know who you are!!!!) Love you guys!!!!

I am amazingly thankful for this blogging world and the friends I've made around the world. You each have taught me something, entertained me, enlightened me, warmed me. Thank you.

I am thankful for special remarkable friends.

I am thankful for all things green and growing, for the fauna of nature, for lakes and rivers and the night sky filled with stars.

I am extraordinarily thankful for the morning coffee and the evening merlot.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, pillow under my head, food that sustains me (too well, I'm afraid) and water to drink.

I am thankful for the freedoms we all enjoy in this great nation.

I am thankful for our dog Baylee and our morning walks. Love you, Baylee!

I am thankful for daughter Kayla who, despite her teenagerness, can be such a joy. She makes me laugh, we play puzzles together, we share a love of music and photography. I love you, Kayla.

I am thankful for my husband - my partner in life. Thank you for being you. I love you, Bobert.

There's more but it's time to refill my cup with warm, satisfying coffee.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Giving Thanks

The family, except mom who's taking the photo

This week I celebrate the love of family and the miracle of continuance. You may recall that Elgin recently left us to be with Bill, which in my mind is yet another reason to celebrate. The family came from all over to attend Elgin's memorial service. The service began on a somber note, but as we all got up to talk about her and share stories we laughed through our tears at the funny tales throughout their lifetime of love.

One of the funniest stories was of Elgin right after Bill's passing. She was in the hospital and I had to stay with her for 2 days because she wouldn't stay in the bed and I didn't have the heart to have her restrained. So, I sat and we talked for two days. On day 2 at our weariest, Elgin began to talk about Bill as though he'd just left the room. "He's gone down the hall to play poker with the boys," she said. "Well, I'm sure he'll be home on time," I responded. She began to share with me her opinions about these particular men, which grew less flattering as the hour went on. She became more and more distressed, wanting Bill home - I was wondering how to handle it. Suddenly, she gave me this conspiratorial look and motioned for me to come closer. I did. She whispered to me that she's suspicious of Bill's actions. "....what?" "I'm suspicious of those other men," she confided. ".....why?" "I think they're taking Bill out and smoking marijuana!" she blurted.

You have to know Elgin to understand why that's so funny. She was the consummate lady who never had a harsh word to say, never raised her voice, always wore matching clothes, and had her hair and nails done in classic fashion. She was A Lady. Both she and Bill were the epitome of "gentile." Bill had a stroke before his passing and I believe that was the only way she could process his odd behavior at that time. Her mind tended to blur the past together as one big movie, but occasionally her mind was crystal clear. Amazing.

As I processed the photos and burned CDs for all who attended I became quite touched by each face, remembering their words and laughter and tears. Remembering old times and anticipating times ahead already noted on the calendar. I've been blessed, and I give thanks for each and every one of them. This humble Thanksgiving novella is dedicated to them.

Jessica and Kayla

Baylee, Monica & Jeff

Sister & Bro-in-law Linda and Mort and their daughter, Elizabeth

The sibs - Laurie, David, Jeff and Elizabeth

My husband, Bob and me

Sam & Ben

Jim & Laurie, plus little Evie (Sam & Ben's folks)

My sweet mother and Jessica

Mom and me

There are a few family members who could not come to the memorial services. Their presence was greatly missed and I give thanks for them and their love: Lance and Shannon, Glenn & Robin & Madison, Kym & Steve & Kids, and the spouses who kept the home fires burning - Joel & little Owen, Crystal & the kids. These are the main family but others revolve around like bright satellites. I repeat - I am blessed.