Thanksgiving

As this weekend comes to an end I will confess that my thoughts have been consumed by family and by my Brian. This is a time of mixed emotions. This was Brian’s most favorite time of the year. He loved Thanksgiving and the days around this holiday. He enjoyed so many of the things that make this day special, family, food and games.

Even in the days when he was not at his best he made great effort to be with us on this day. He loved being around the family without any of the stresses that other holidays may bring. It was his favorite meal of the year. While he would have a little of most everything, except veggies, his absolute yummiest desire was his Mom’s turkey and stuffing with turkey gravy. He would go back for thirds and fourths without hesitation. Then he would eat leftover open-faced turkey sandwiches soaked in gravy for as long as the turkey would last. There was more than one year that Julie would have to make a second or third portion of gravy so that Brian could eat his sandwiches. It was fun watching him make his dinner, every aspect had to be just right. He had a system, a way of building his sandwich that ensured maximum flavor. It was a science for him. It was fun watching him savor his sandwich. His mother got such joy out of watching him take each and every bite.

The other joy Brian got on this day was getting the boys together to play a board game.  His two favorite were Monopoly and Risk. They would play for hours in the basement. Every so often he would bound upstairs for a refresh on a beverage and would give everyone an update on the game. He was always a bit more enthusiastic if he was in contention. Ultimately it didn’t matter who won it was about being with the ones that loved him and that allowed him to be who he was.

So, while I miss my son dearly especially at this time of year it requires little effort to carry-on with the traditions that he loved so dearly. I have tasted each bite and played board games with intent, making sure that it is fun. I have allowed the love that fills the house to consume me, basking in the warmth of family. I so love my family, my wonderful wife, my two beautiful daughters, the two young men they have chosen to be their partners and my two lovely granddaughters. The Lord has been good to me and I am so thankful that he gave me the time I had with my son and the time yet to come with my family. My God is great and I am thankful that he chose me to have a relationship with.

I am thankful each and every day. Thanksgiving Day forces people  to reflect on all the blessings they have received. What a phenomenal day. Perhaps as we reflect we start to appreciate life’s wonders: hope, faith, charity, compassion, mercy, love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – check it out. I want to be that.