This Thanksgiving...

I know I have a lot to be thankful for in my life. I always have. I wouldn't consider myself wealthy by any means but I am blessed. I have an incredible family. This year it is even more present in my mind how important they are to me because, this year, I was not able to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. Now let me explain, this isn't the first time I have been without family at Thanksgiving. I spent one Thanksgiving in Sweden with Alex's family. Even though they don't celebrate this holiday they politely indulged me while I cooked a turkey with all the trimmings for them. My own family celebrated at home without me but even then I didn't feel this sense of missing out as I do this year.

Last weekend I came down with a cold. As I ran around getting what I would need to make one of the traditional turkeys I could feel this cold coming on. Sniffles, congestion, slight cough - it was coming. Over the next day or two it worsened. Luckily, I had taken this week off from work so I wasn't having to call in sick but if I hadn't there was no way I would have been able to go to work. That's a pet peeve of mine, by the way, people who come to work coughing and hacking who clearly should have stayed home. Anyway, on Wednesday, I cooked a 22 lb. turkey and carved it  up and got it ready to go on Thursday morning. When I went to bed Wednesday night I was still somewhat optimistic that I would be going to my sister's house to celebrate with my family. But, all night on Wednesday, I was forced awake by violent coughing fits which made me have to get up and out of bed to get them under control. By morning, it was clear, I wasn't going anywhere but CVS to get some more cough medication. I called my other sister and she took the turkey and I stayed home with a promise that she would drop off some left overs when she returned. I might have gone and toughed it out but my sister Terry is on medication for her cancer that lowers her immune system. She can't be around anyone with even the slightest cough and I surely don't want to be the one to make her sick!

I've been missing them all day. I know it's silly. I mean it's not like I'm never going to see them again and I also know that these feelings are fueled by my feeling really crappy and sorry for myself. But my family is fun and I know I missing out on some great laughs. And my nieces were bringing their families from Illinois with the little kids. I miss them. And Jenna who is now 21 is home from Marquette University. I miss her! And my nephew was bringing his kids and we hardly ever see them! I miss them too. And my brother in law Ron was coming today and he rarely comes to large family gatherings. I miss him too. And my oldest sister was making oyster dressing at my request and now I'm not there to enjoy it! I'm the only one left in the family that likes it! I want it and I miss it! I miss them all today. Yes, I'm feeling sorry for myself and yes, I will see them all again. But these are the people I am most grateful for in my life. All of them. My siblings - Verda, Butch, Kathy, Terry, and Patsy. All of their families and their kids families. Together we are a fun, wild, crazy, loud, opinionated bunch. And I know how blessed I am to be a part of that!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!