Tag: Thanksgiving

Tall Tales

I am spending Thanksgiving with my son and his 8-year old daughter.

It is lovely.  My son takes care of everything.

I still find lots to keep busy but at a slower pace. 

Leisurely coffee in the morning, a peaceful walk.

Listening to my 8-year old granddaughter relate stories that are on the edge. 

She tells them with such conviction that it is hard to remember that they are fiction.

For example, while visiting me this summer she insisted that her Dad and she were flying from Alabama to go trick or treating in New York City.   Believe it or not, her boyfriend and his family were going to meet them in New York City!

I did not believe it but she was so insistent that I thought, “Well, maybe.”   

I mean, who can argue with a verbal and insistent 8-year old?

When her Dad arrived to take her home, he chuckled that I would even consider that the story was true. 

Silly Oma, believing this tall tale!

Store bought, oh my!

Yesterday, I “prepared” my Thanksgiving Dinner.

It’s a far cry from when my sons were little and their Dad was alive.

Then, we all pitched in to prepare a festive meal.

I cooked the turkey, dressing, gravy and vegetables.

My sons and their Dad baked pies. This practice started when they were elementary school age.

Dad also took care of other side dishes.

Zoe, our beautiful standard poodle, took care of anything that hit the floor.

Now I have a precooked turkey dinner and a few sides on order from New Seasons grocery store.

A friend will bring fruit salad, a green salad and wine.

Add an almond cake from Zupan’s and a chocolate ganache cake from La Provence and it’s done!

~Photo Lori Greer in Portland~

It’s not a Norman Rockwell painting by any means.

I am forcing myself not to dwell on what is missing but on what will I will have.

A good friend, a warm house, cheerful fire, lovely music and Riley, my mini Aussiedoodle.

No self-pity.

No sadness.

I choose happy.

I am at peace.

Sweet Girl

Last minute grocery shopping for Thanksgiving.

Her first Thanksgiving without her Mommy.

A bright, feisty,adorable, inquisitive, strong-willed three-year old.

 

Talking about Mommy

My heart breaks when she talks about Mommy being in Heaven.

As we went around the table at Thanksgiving to share what we were each thankful for, she loudly affirmed that she was grateful for  her Mommy.

It is good that she still feels the love of her Mother.

Her little face shines with the radiance and faith of an innocent child.

My sweet granddaughter who has my heart.

Head up. Keep Moving.

Cherish moments & experiences, not things.

~Shana Verstegen, Lumberjack & Fitness Pro Continue reading “Head up. Keep Moving.” →

Happy Thanksgiving!

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In all things give thanks.  We give thanks for faith, family, friends.

Special thanks to my Internet friends who have educated, entertained and comforted me during the past year.

Happy Thanksgiving from Denver!