Thanks giving

I survived Thanksgiving week, it was touch and go for a while, though. I had David take me shopping on Saturday before T-day, since if I lift all the heavy stuff I'm shot for days. We bought a 20 pound turkey, a big spiral-cut ham, cases of soda pop, potatoes, on and on. David isn't used to the big shopping, he was getting irritable, but managed to make it through the ordeal. He even put most of it away when we got home!

I had planned to order the whole meal from Fry's, already made, waiting to be warmed up on the big day. Heather objected strongly- even agreed to make the whole dinner instead. I tried to get all the ingredients and stuff ready before Wednesday. Heather got here in the afternoon, just in time to see me starting to hurl. Seems I got the flu on one of my jaunts to a store the day before. Thank goodness Heather was cooking! I supervised, helping her to learn how to brine and cook the turkey, make cranberry sauce, etc. She already makes the best mashed potatoes ever, so that wasn't a problem.

There were 10 for dinner; both our Mom's, our kids, David's sister, brother and his son. It was beautifully warm, clear and sunny. I planned to have outdoor seating since it was so nice. I forgot we were feeding mostly men, who immediately grabbed their plates and went back to the football game. We typically have a casual Thanksgiving, because what's more to be grateful for than football??? Friday night Heather got sick, then David Saturday afternoon, so we spent the whole weekend running-to the bathroom, as it were.

I was determined to eat Thanksgiving this year, I was sick last year too, and really couldn't eat. I realized Wednesday evening that I had officially been sick for a full year. YUK... Anyhooo, this year I ate whatever, even some pie. I decided 2007 was a crap year, and the new one would start with a much better tone. Food! It's a glorious thing, I love to eat. Now that I had to gain a little weight back after the summer of fun and games, i.e. surgery over and over, I guess that I want food to be my friend again.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, it gives all of us a certain date to reflect on our blessings, and all the things we're grateful for. I believe that we grow the most during adversity, and this past year certainly is no different. I would not choose to be bedridden for weeks at a time, I certainly did not want to have 3 surgeries in a year, especially when 2 of them were heart surgeries. I have little patience for down time, really, and feel a certain pang of guilt if I'm not using all my time 'wisely'. And yet, there were weeks at a time that my brain was too fuzzy to read, knit or most other things I usually do. So, I spent a lot of time praying, for my family, friends, rain, sometimes for me. I watched my family change and grow because of this crisis. I have become somewhat more patient with myself, taking it slower, resting as needed. Life isn't always easy, but the refining process can make us better people, kinder, more loving. I hope this has done that for me, and for my family. 2008 will bring better health, and hopefully more rain!