Thanksgiving Ramblings

[Rebeccalynn_dj]

This is a busy time of year for me.  I have tons of social events and traveling to do.  It is so much fun!  I love the hustle and bustle of the holiday.  I love to see people take the time to interact with one another.

This also is a hard time of year because it is reminder of those we have lost.  My God Father, Roger, passed in a horrible car accident 6 years ago (the day before Thanksgiving).  It was a tragic death in an accident you can't imagine.  I remember his giving spirit and his fun attitude.

The last time I saw my husband's grandmother was Thanksgiving two years ago.  She was such a kind woman that thought of others until the day she passed.  She loved to cook and she loved her family.  It was our tradition to go to her home for Thanksgiving.  I miss that. 

Lately they have been on my mind.  I loved them both.  They each touched me in different ways.  I will miss them always. 

This is a wonderful year because the kids are now getting old enough to understand tradition.  They are enjoying participating in our family rituals and the meanings behind them.  Every Thanksgiving we go to a special Christmas animated show and meet Santa after.  Both kids still believe in Santa. 

My husband and I are like a fine wine.  We get better with age.  Every holiday I spend with him is better and better.  Really even his family is better.  Lately they seem to get it that I am here to stay.  (It only took 11 1/2 years)  They seem to really care what I think as much as the rest of them.  I think his sister getting engaged and married helped.

What comes to mind when you think about this time of year?

[evwsquared]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:10 AM

This year is going to be very different for us, because we won't be going back to MN for the holidays. We're going for Thanksgiving, but not for Christmas because of the move. This year is going to be an interesting Christmas because it will be the one year anniversary of my husband's stepfather (on Dec. 20? shoot, I can't remember---I had strep and E had an ear infection, it was a truly miserable holiday).

[MemaSu]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 7:04 AM

Every day is a gift. Thanksgiving this year is a gathering together of the generations that live here- there are 4 . Plus our son & wife, Aunt Joye, we'll have a crowd. I remember when my grandparents would have the entire family there... now they are gone & the tradition lives on in different ways.

We have much to be thankful for- even though this has been a difficult year with many changes, those changes are for the better.We are together, everyone is safe here, & there is plenty of love to go around.

[LKLMommy]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 8:49 AM

i enjoy thanksgiving because its kind of like the kick off f the holiday season. this year we are spending it with my DH's family for the first time since we got married 7 years ago.....its sad because i wont be with my family, but im really happy my kids get to spend the holiday with daddy's family! i love the warm comfy feeling from this time of year! i cant wait for it to be cold enough to have a fire! :o)

[Fistandantalus]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 8:55 AM

ZM and I got married on the day after Thanksgiving, so we always celebrate the anniversary on Black Friday.

[grammijudi]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 9:20 AM

Great Journal post Rebecca.  This is too, my favorite time of year.  My dh lost his dad 7 yrs ago and that's what is always on my mind.  This great man was someone who every holiday revolved around.  He was the center and the rock of the family.  His home was always full of family, food, laughter and fun.  Since his passing, the family kinda went their seperate ways, no one talked much and everyone did their own thing.  This year, we are going back down there,  to have dinner with my dh's step mom (who was married to his dad).   It's been a long time but I am excited to see her.  It will never be the same without  "Dada", but his spirit will be there with us and I know he will be happy that some of the family is together again.  Happy Thanksgiving Rebecca. 

If you guys are coming this way again this year, have a safe trip!  And to Sily20072002.....that was random.    

[jsbenkert]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 12:55 PM

Holidays are always intense in the emotions the evoke.  It is the time of year that we most miss the loved ones that we've lost, because it is the time of year that we would always make a point of spending time together.

But it is also a wonderful time to strengthen bonds and create memories through traditions.  We always try to do a Grateful Gobbler walk for the homeless on Thanksgiving Day, as one of our traditions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[used2chaos]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM

My in-laws are kind enough to always ruin our Thanksgiving with their presence, which I am just now realizing may be a good thing!  It keeps me from missing my brother and dad too much. 

Happy Thanksgiving, Becca!

[mars33me]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 2:33 PM

My Mom died 11 years ago, my son died 8 years ago.  And, to top it off my birthday is in November (today actually), so November is a bitter sweet month for me.  Thanksgiving used to mean a family gathering at my parents house, but since my husband and I bought our house three years ago Thanksgiving is at my house.  I almost didn't do it this year because I just didn't want the bother but my dad guilt-ed me into it and I realized I don't want to miss out on anything with him and my family... Happy thanksgiving to you and your family!!

[parrishsky]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 4:11 PM

I truly feel your pain. Miles separated us and it's been 7 years since my dad passed away but I still miss him during the holidays. I think this time of year we should take moments in our days together to share stories of those that passed before us. My kids enjoy hearing about their grandfather.

I love traditions but also love breaking them from time to time. We've been known to go to the movies on a whim Thanksgiving day and feeding the homeless rather than cooking a feast just for us. I'd like to leave one treasure with my kids on what the holidays truly mean, and that is family is the key to happiness.

[Cloud_Dancer09]

Nov. 18, 2009 at 7:31 PM

This time of year reminds me of my Granny(my great grandmother)who passed in October 2007-the kindest woman I ever knew..We all used to go to her house for the Holiday dinners&we have a HUGE family(she had 13 kids,lol)so I miss going to her house&catching up with family..and I definitely miss her chicken casserole&pumpkin pies...