Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

The holidays are upon us. In my mind, I'm thinking about Thanksgiving. It's always been one of my favorite holidays. I love my family and how we come together to share a meal and day together. We all bring a dish and try to replicate my mother's dressing. I eat that dressing for days after Thanksgiving. I eat it hot, cold, or three days old until it's gone.

Thanksgiving falls on a different day each November as our earth revolves around the sun. It just so happens that this year it will fall on our son's death day. Thanksgiving now always has a somber tone because of the accident that happened six years ago. November always has a hint of sadness and reverie of Nick. You had to know Nick to understand how larger than life he always was here on earth. He was the text book definition of "free spirit." He always lived on his terms. As a stepmother, my part was always muddled. You see I fell in love with him first before I fell in love with his father. I was his preschool teacher. He was a precious child. So at four years, Kenneth Nicholas Alley changed my life and I am ever so thankful. Was it always a bed of roses? Not hardly, but I wouldn't change a thing for the good times this blue-eyed boy gave us. Holidays were always splintered for us. We got him after the big days. Did it hurt? Yes always. Was I angry? Yes. Was I always nice and kind about our situation? No, I'm human. Six years ago Nick and Maggie decided to spend Thanksgiving with us and bring their girls. I was elated. This would be a first since I became the step-monster 21 years prior. Then, the accident happened. They say time heals all wounds, but don't believe it. Having a strong faith in God has helped us through it. I have to remind myself that Nick was never anyone's to begin with but God's. We had him for a short period. Ken and I are private in our grief, but I wanted to share that we are thankful for the years we were given, the grandchildren he gave us, and the memories we have of him. Did losing him acerbate our illnesses? Most definitely.

Thanksgiving. Be thankful. This very moment is a blessing. Be thankful. Look at your loved ones. Be thankful. Have you lost loved ones? Be thankful you had them to lose. Are you reading this? Be thankful. Do you have breath? Be thankful. I think it goes without saying, but you know to whom to thank. God bless all of you and I hope you spend Thanksgiving being in the moment. Savoring every friend and relative as well as food. Be thankful for your ups and downs because you are never alone in your strife. Happy Thanksgiving!

Quote of the Day:

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

Marcel Proust

I'm so thankful for the many gardeners in my life past, present, earthly, and eternal.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Dedicated to our son, Nick. Always in our hearts, minds, and Grands. For that, we are ever thankful.

Sent from my iPhone