Thankful

This morning I picked up my son, Matthew, who is home from college for Thanksgiving.  I haven't seen him since this summer.  Tomorrow my son, Erik, and his new bride, Mae, will join us. 

Our family has always been close.  Possibly it's because our middle child died in infancy.  Maybe that has nothing to do with it.  But after her death, it became important to me to live my life in such a way that I would collect as few regrets as possible.  That has been especially true where my family is concerned.  When there has been discord, we haven't let those ill feelings lie.  We resolve them--and quickly.  I never want my last words with a loved one to be angry words.  My middle child's death taught me that life is uncertain, and that we can take nothing for granted.  Whatever the reason, we stumbled our way through the trials that everyone faces, and we came out the other side as a close family and as good friends. 

My two sons are doing well, and they've become people that I'm proud to know.  My daughter-in-law is a stellar person too, and she's fit into our family as if she's always been a part of it.  As I write this, I'm looking forward to our feast tomorrow, and to having my family together for the first time in a long time.  I'm happy that they are happy.  They need their dad and me less than they did at one time, and I miss them now that they're increasingly independent.  However, I also know that is the way it should be.  It is, after all, the goal of parenting.

Today I was reading some quotations by comedians about Thanksgiving.  Most had to do with the fighting that often happens when family members get together for a big meal.  They were funny, but I was glad it doesn't apply to my family.  I was thankful that we all get along and love one another.  We aren't perfect by any means.  Like any family, we have our infighting at times.  Mainly, however, peace rules the day.  Even when it doesn't, we still love one another.  That part never changes.  I hope the same is true for you, my dear readers.

So, I didn't mean to get all misty about this.  Mainly, I just wanted to say that I hope you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.  It's the best day of the year, in my humble opinion, for evaluating one's goals and achievements, and for taking stock of what we have to be thankful for.  I am thankful for my family.

With that, I think I'll go join Matthew and Mike, who are currently discussing solutions for the problems of the world.  If only one of them could be king.  Really . . . Happy Thanksgiving!