Thanksgiving

I sat next to Dad's bed and watched him sleep. Mom had gone home to get some rest. Anyway, that is what she said. The doctor was supposed to be coming in and Mom didn't want to talk to him. I told her that I would talk to him and then come over to her house. I would be better coming from me.

Mom was sitting in "her" chair when I walked in. Dad's chair sat there empty. I told her that Dad wouldn't be coming home again and she just said, "I know."

So we will all be home for Thanksgiving. My uncle will be here from Ohio in the morning. My son will go to the airport with me to meet my daughter and grandchildren's flight from Arizona. My brother will be here Friday.

Dad was awake when I got back to the hospital. I tried to be upbeat when I told him that everybody was coming to see him. He saw right through me. He said, "I won't be here next year, will I?" And I said, "no, Daddy."

We won't have a "traditional" holiday but it will be a good Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. My parents have had a good marriage and the love that they have shared has been passed on through them to me and to my children and grandchildren. I could not be more blessed.

May each of you have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season.