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!

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.