HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving. The big day finally has arrived. Its after five and the Turkey is in the oven. The pies are baked, the cake finished and iced. Many more dishes to prepare but I think I am on a roll now. "I" watched me getting the turkey ready. Her little eyes glistening at the sight of the big bird. Okay Thanksgiving you can come on down. We're going to be ready for you.

I have thought and thought what I would write today. Something about what I am thankful for of course. There is so many things. I do not know where to start. I suppose the first one should be the fact right now as I write, off in Washington Mikayla sleeps soundly. In her own bed, already the horrors of last year at this time pushed to the back recess's of her mind. Children are resilient like that. Last year at this time things were much different in our family. The fear of Mikayla's cancer the foremost in all our minds. Thank-you God for her health this year. For granting us the joy of her life.

For my two children. I love them so. Both of them work at night. I never go to bed that I do not pray God please take them safely to their homes. I think of them driving in the darkness with drunk drivers on the highway and I tremble. I usually start waking up around three. The first thing I do is look at the clock. If its after two I breath a sigh of relief. "Thank-you God," I whisper. No phone call has shattered the night. They must both be safely home once again. So for all the safe trips for them God I thank-you. May your love and grace surround them both.

I am so thankful for all four of my grandchildren. I love them very much. Vernon, Mike, Will and Brandi. Brandi, my grand girl. The only one I have. For all your blessings God on them and protection I thank-you.

My great grands. The joy in my life. The hugs, the questions. Each one so special in their own way. Thank-you God for my great-grands.

I am thankful for my sister Geri. For the blessing of being able to talk to her every morning. Its wonderful for the miles to slip away as we start each day talking. My brother who lives closer but I see very seldom. But he is there. A phone call away. "Hello Brother Bud," I say. And hear the smile in his voice. Oh I am thankful to AT&T for keeping them close to me.

For the Emperor and his grumpy ways. He keeps me on my toes. Sometimes he drives me crazy. Which of course I know I do him too. But he always makes me laugh. And I am thankful for him. Also my baby "I". Thankful for a dog you ask?" Well in the first place she isn't a real dog. She just looks like one. She is my little shadow and I am blessed to have her.

Last but not least I am grateful for my life. At one today my family will come. My children, grandkids, great-grands and assorted others. Thank-you God for my home. My health that I can have them another Thanksgiving. God has surely blessed me this year. Answered prayers, forgiven my short comings. Given me hope when I felt at times there was none. I think of all the Thanksgivings past and miss those I loved that have went before me. Another Thanksgiving I have been blessed with. I smile as I write. I am truly grateful.

I start towards home again. Looking around Blogland I search for signs Thanksgiving is here too. I swear I think I hear a Turkey gobble. "Run little friend," I holler. They might still try to shoot you. I'm singing this morning as I walk. "Over the river and through the woods. To Grandmothers house we go." I start walking faster. I have to get home. They will be here soon. I'm running. I'm outta here.