Thanksgiving 2010

The family gathered at our house today to celebrate Thanksgiving, and despite Dad's passing, it was a very nice day. Mom and Chris were here, as well as Dave, Lori, Sarah, Greta and Ryan. I can't honestly say that I felt much like cooking, but Amparo and I have gotten proficient enough at doing the traditional meal that we can turn out an almost entirely homemade one pretty quickly and efficiently. Once we got settled into the routine of cooking, it was a nice distraction, and it was especially nice once family started to arrive and we could all be together. Or almost all.

I know that there will be many moments, sights, sounds and events that will trigger memories of Dad in the coming days and weeks. Two of them happened today. The first was looking down at the far end of the dining room table when sitting down to the meal and realizing that Dad wasn't sitting at the head of the table. The other was not having Dad's little ritual of slipping whoever would be hosting a holiday dinner like this a little cash to "help with the expenses." This has always been an eye-rolling moment for me, but I did miss it today.

Most of all though, I have not lost sight of the fact that this is Thanksgiving, and I have much to be thankful for. Family. Friends. A very comfortable life.

I am truly blessed.