Tuesday, November 29, 2005

If you don’t have anything nice to say…

I’ve been going off the premise that if I don’t have anything good to say I should just not say anything.  Though several funny thoughts have crossed my mind, these past couple of days I have been feeling rather negative, and tired.  The trip to Colorado was good, though as always, too short.  It was wonderful to see my family and I realize more every year how lucky I am to have them.  I was very fortunate to have the childhood I had, to be able to visit my grandparents in the mountains as much as I did.
On Thanksgiving day I sat outside on their front porch and contemplated my life.  It wasn’t one of those deep contemplations, I wasn’t thinking about my mortality or the pain and strife I have been through.  Instead I was thinking about all the happy times I have been able to enjoy.  The countless Thanksgivings I have been blessed with over the years.  Though there always seem to be issues with my family, little wars going on here and there, I have been blessed with the knowledge that every year I get to return to the same house, with the same people, and do it all over again.
Every year my Grandparents have been there for me.  Grandpa makes the most wonderful biscuits and gravy and has succeeded in making it impossible for me to get it anywhere else.  No restaurant could possibly stand up to the ambiance of their kitchen table, to the warmth and love I am surrounded with when I am there.  Grandma always has some chore for us to do, something she would like made or cleaned up, and it is always a surprise.  One year we painted her bathroom.  This year I cleaned her shoes out for her.  It was fun to see some of the shoes she has kept (and is still keeping) one pair was from her high school years.  They are still in pristine condition. 
My Aunt Judy and Uncle Kenny are always fun to be around.  I think as I get older I have learned to appreciate them and the things that they do even more.  They have made the holiday possible for many years now.  I don’t know that I have always realized their contribution to the family, though as I get older I see what they have done, what they are doing, and I love them for it.  Their laughter could not be replaced.  I’m always happy to see Judy and Ken’s smiling faces, they are such happy people. 
Mark and Breeayne didn’t make it up to the grandparent’s this year, Mark had back surgery.  But they had their own supper and we saw them before we left town. 
Though all of that, through all of the traveling, driving and sleepless nights, I kept in mind the fact that I am a very lucky person.  And though I am a few days late, I have to say I am very thankful for the family that I have. 
So, nothing bad tonight.  I was somehow able to get through the whole post without ranting.  I’m not sure I’ll be able to do it again tomorrow, but we’ll let that be for now.