Well, it is Thanksgiving day again, 2009.  I hate that the months just zoom by in my older age…I just want to slow it down a bit! I have so many things to be thankful for- my Lord and Savior, my husband, children, grandchildren, family, friends, work, play, a warm home, beautiful blue sky, health, prosperity, etc, etc, etc.

I hate those kinds of lists, because I always leave something really important out! I do know that I am most thankful for the giving I receive from others. Many times it is so much easier for me to give to someone else, than to graciously accept the giving of another person. It is humbling to just accept a gift (whether a package or a compliment), without either some excuse or pass.

For many years, we spent Thanksgiving at Marc’s parents, (Ed and Dorcas) because we spent Christmas at my parents. When you marry into a family, you also must learn to adapt to other customs.  Dinner was always “dinnertime” at their house, so we learned to adapt by eating a large breakfast, and snacking throughout the day.

The tablecloth was always the same. Gold, with cornucopia’s on all the corners and leaf pattern down the sides. I know this well because today that same tablecloth is on my table, awaiting the turkey and trimmings.  It is probably 40 years old now, but when you only use it once a year, it can last along time!

She always made stuffing differently than I was used to - one year my brother spent Thanksgiving with us, and we still comment on that stuffing every year at Thanksgiving.

I miss her now - miss both of them - and today I made a Pork Pie…another old family recipe that she handed down. It made me thankful that I received so many gifts of love from them over the years.  It was a privilege to have them live with us for five years, and I am thankful that my children were able to know their grandparents.

Especially now that I am a grandparent, I am thankful for grandchildren. They are the best! Good thing I didn’t kill my own children, so that I got the reward of grandchildren!

So thanks to all my family - those around and those not around now, for giving to me! I am forever humbled by your graciousness, thoughtfulness and undeserving love!