The house is quiet except for the ticking of the kitchen clock. Tibbi chases bunnies in her dreams, as she twitches her eyebrows and feet on the loveseat next to me. The kitties are stretching and yawning as they stare up at me wondering why I'm up so early but not petting them (the nerve!), and R sleeps peacefully in the other room. I am grateful he has a chance to sleep in a little, since usually on the weekends he's on auto-awake by 4:30 or so. The cinnamon rolls are on their 2nd rise, I smell the aroma of the coffee and I know that this is the only peaceful time I'll have in the day ahead. And the organized chaos that is coming is something I anticipate eagerly every year.
My mother thinks I'm crazy, as the feast cooking nuttiness has skipped from Grandma to me, bypassing mom altogether. That's ok, that just means one more person allowing us our day to cook without trying to encroach on our territory by making anything herself! I admit freely that R and I are more than a little controlling about the cooking when it comes to most functions in our home, but especially Thanksgiving. Everyone generously offers to bring dishes, which I do appreciate, but that would be one less thing we are able to do, and this is something we give of ourselves to our loved ones, an annual gift of our time, talent and enthusiasm. I have been baking for the last two days, and by the time I listed what it is I've baked you would think we were expecting a crowd, not just 9 of us. I'd love to have a crowd, but this will do for now, and there are plenty of leftovers to send home with everyone. I have to send home leftovers! Our fridge isn't nearly big enough to hold everything.
It's not just about the food though. This morning as I sit here in the peace of pre-dawn quiet I am grateful for so much more than just the food. I am truly blessed. This is my 7th Thanksgiving with R, the man God brought into my life when I felt like I'd been sucker punched and everything had fallen apart. He is the most generous hearted man I've ever met, and behind the quiet demeanor and the somewhat steely stare, lies more strength, honor and integrity than most people will ever dream of encountering. He scooped me off the floor of despair, with all of my baggage, and he mended my heart. I returned the favor of scooping him up with his baggage, and together we are unloading it, bit by bit, and carrying what remains together. He was God's answer to a prayer I hadn't even known I'd made.
I am grateful for my children - as difficult as the empty nest was for me to adapt to, they have grown up to be independent adults, going about their lives under what appears to be their own terms. I've come to realize that that means I did my job, as best I could, and I will indulge in a little back patting here. They will always encounter their own bumps in the road, taking detours they probably should have thought better of before they took them, but isn't that the case with everyone? They, and my wonderful son-in-law, know that we are always here for them, to offer advice if needed, or a shoulder to lean on. I pray though, that when life gives them struggles, that they go to God 1st for help, and allow Him to work in their lives. I can offer motherly support, but the Heavenly Father is their rock, their guide and their hope, and I pray they know that deep in their hearts.
There are many blessings I could list, but this would go on all day if I did. Friends, family, job, a home and running vehicles. Food, warm clothing, a healthy body able to function better at 47 than it did at 37! So many things that the mind boggles at the generosity of our Lord, and in spite of everything going on in this world, I sit here knowing His hand is on us, and will continue to be into the New Year.
Well, the bunny chasing is done and Tibbi is rolling around on the floor scratching her back and from the expression on her face she's getting ready to start tap dancing at the back door. Hubby is awake and pouring his first cup of coffee and the sun is coming up. It is time to pop those cinnamon rolls in the oven and get the rest of the days duties done so we can sit at the table and laugh, eat and make memories that we will cherish forever.
Of everything I ever thought I knew, I do know this for sure. Nothing is ever as important as family, and nothing ever will be. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless You.
