Thankful

Spent the morning at a childhood park of mine.

Halmoni pushes Gracie on the swings.

Two little turkeys.

Heritage Park.

Visiting my grandma's cemetery.

We miss you, Grandma.

Sweet Faith leaves a flower for a young soldier who was killed in Iraq.

Kylie is all smiles with her Halmoni.

Rich and Emily.

Faith, Kylie and Hapajee.

Cousins.

Me and smiley Kylie.

Grace loves to hold her.

Turkey time!

This year, although it was technically my year to host Thanksgiving for my family, Rich and Emily decided to host at their house. For them, it just seemed a little easier since they wanted to be close to home with their new little one. We left on Wednesday and returned on Thursday night after dinner.

This was the first holiday that we've spent without my beloved grandmother since she passed away this summer. There is probably not a day that goes by that I don't think of her for at least a moment. We visited her cemetery before heading to my brother's house and although cemeteries are not one of my favorite places (as you can imagine), there is something that happens when I visit them. Walking by and reading the headstones, I am fascinated by the lovely inscriptions on each of them. I often wonder what that person's story must have been. Ages range from the very young child to someone like my grandmother who seemed to outlive everyone at 96. All around me, there were clear signs that life is so very short and unpredictable. Countless families have lost their loved ones and I wondered, "How would their Thanksgiving be?"

I wouldn't be honest if I said that Thanksgiving this year was great. Don't get me wrong, it was nice but it just wasn't the same. Although my grandmother was up in age and less communicative during the last few years of her life, her steadfast presence was always reassuring. In so many ways, she was the maternal heart of our family. Her love of laughter, good food, and the loving way she used to warmly hold my hand when I sat down next to her was deeply missed. On top of all that, my dear aunt had to work and couldn't make it to my brother's house. Again, it just wasn't the same.

On the drive home, as I reflected on the day, I realized two things...

First, that every family will eventually loose a loved one. And when they do, they will also go through a change in the family dynamic. Reluctantly, we are beginning to create a "new normal." Whatever that may be. The other thing I was reminded of was the fact that I can rejoice in the knowledge that this is not our true home. Although our human lives will end at some point, our true destination, our true eternal home is in heaven with our God, our Creator and Father. Our lives here represent a mere fraction of what lies ahead for those of us who believe and trust in our Savior and King. I am so very grateful to God for the life He has given me. I'm thankful for my family, two great kids, a loving husband who is gainfully employed, good friends, faith, freedom, the comforts of home, and good health to enjoy it all. God's provisions are as abundant as ever and I am humbled by His grace and generosity on our lives. This holiday season, may you slow down long enough to truly embrace the love and peace of God and the hope that is Christ Jesus.