Thanksgiving

Ah it is that time of year again when we are suppose to reflect, look back and express our "thankfullness". I think sometimes from year to year it feels like we are thankful for the same old things, thankful for our health, our family, or jobs, etc. Some years however, it is different. Some years it is just obvious as to what we should be thankful for. This is one of those years for me and Mark both. You will hear people say how they are thankful for family, and yet they don't talk all that often, or months go by that they don't see each other. Things changed for us this year. A little background.

If you have read this blog in the past or have a facebook account, you will all remember that this past May my Dad had a heart attack. It was serious, I spent 2 weeks with my parents in Mississippi while he recovered from quad bypass surgery. (a previous blog if you need a memory jogger). Back home in Minnesota he suffered a set back and was literally at deaths door, kidney failure, another surgery to remove a clot, more time in the ICU. I was told I should get there asap as it didn't look promising. I caught a flight the next morning. I wish I could bottle up what I saw when I entered the waiting room at the hospital. The whole family had filled the room, nieces, nephews, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, family friends, all my brothers and sisters, all surrounding my Mom. It was so wonderful to all be in the same room together, even though it was such a difficult time. There was laughter, crying and lots of hugs! Miraculously, my Dad recovered and is back in sunny Florida gaining strength everyday and we are certainly thankful for that!


Back to the story:
Once my Dad was home from the hospital (again) Mark and I thought a visit was in order. We traveled to MN for a quick weekend and a shindig was planned. The evening was great, although my Dad was very tired and weak, he hung in there and it was great to visit with everyone. Close to the end of the evening, Mark got a phone call from his Dad. The kind of call you don't want to get. Mark's older sister Lesley had passed away.

So, here we were celebrating the fact that my Dad was recovering and then mourning the loss of Mark's sister. The next few days would a blur of activity. Pondering how this could have happened, what would we do, where would we go from here.

A memorial service was planned by Lesley's friends in Myrtle Beach. Truth be told, Mark did not want to go. He does not like funerals, and dislikes the entire concept of being made to feel worse than you ever thought imaginable by music and somber settings. He decided against his better judgment and accompanied his Dad, Stepmom and Mom to Myrtle Beach. A better decision could not have been made. The call I got from Mark after the service was great. It was held at a friends house, everyone shared stories and wonderful memories they had with Lesley. We also had a service here in Florida for family and more stories and memories were passed around. Lesley certainly had an effect on peoples lives, and that was a great comfort to Mark.

What is the moral of my story and why am I bringing you all down? Not my intent, but it does allow me to wrap up my story and bring it right back around as to why we should be thankful. I had a second chance with my Dad, to tell him how much I love him and appreciate him and I look forward to many years of being able to do that! Mark does not have that luxury. What he does have is the knowledge that you can't let days go by, you can't have regrets. So this year, be thankful for your loved ones, let them know that they are loved and appreciated. Hug them for a second longer, look directly in their eyes, cherish the time you have together.

Until next time,
Mullet's out