Thanksgiving Day was the holiday we celebrated with my Dad's side of the family. Sometimes we went to Kentucky to celebrate, because that is where everyone lived at the time. When I was about 10 or so, my grandparents moved behind my parents' home to retire on their property, and we celebrated Thanksgiving there. Every year. And I have fond memories of celebrating in their home. Good memories in that house. Funny stories. LOTS of funny stories about my family. Lots of laughter, turkey, UNO, Scrabble, chocolate pie. My grandad fussing at my grandmother and saying "Dorthea" really loud. My grandmother loved to cook, and so did my Aunt Joann. They were both really good cooks. They were sisters and bickered over recipes, which we all laugh about now, looking back. My Aunt Joann, Mom, and myself usually got up early and went shopping really early on Black Friday. On Thursday night, we would always scatter the sale ads out, and make out our game plan. We always ended up at Belk at Northgate first. She loved shoes, make up, clothes, perfume, jewelry and all things pretty and fancy. Random memories, but, oh so sweet. I could go on and on.
My Papaw passed away from cancer shortly after I started teaching in 2002. My Aunt Joann passed away with cancer shortly before Blake and I got married, in 2004. My Mamaw passed away with cancer in 2007, shortly before Jackson was born.
I lost 3 people to cancer in about 5 years time that I loved very much. Thanksgiving was the holiday I spent with them, and while I am SO thankful for all of the blessings in my life, sometimes it is also a very emotional time for me. I am thankful for their life, and for the memories they each left with me. God is good. I am blessed. I know they are in Heaven. I do wonder what they would think of our little family. I think they would love Jackson's funny little personality and Claire's sweet disposition. They would loved them both, I am sure. I wish Jack and Claire would have got to meet them, too.
My grandmother and mother gave me my mixer one of the last Christmases she was with us. I think of her(and the rest of the gang) every time I am getting our Thanksgiving goodies together. Hence, the annual cry. I think she would be proud that I know how to operate it. And whip up some pretty good treats.
1 comment:
What precious memories! I love that your mixer makes you cry - not for you being sad, but for the memories it brings. I, too, lost 3 relatives to cancer in a very small time frame. And Christmases, Easters, and Thanksgivings just aren't the same. I miss my grandparents terribly. But what a legacy of love and faith they left behind. We will see them again one day and that brings a smile to my face!! Love you!!!!!
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