Giving thanks

The phone has been ringing constantly for the past few days with people sending their love to my mother and our family. There have been many invitations to share turkey and gravy and even more thoughts of love and kindness. We are touched beyond words.
Despite the many kindnesses, my father will not be here today. As I have said so many times before, I absolutely hate this. I knew he would not magically materialize today. But deep down, I hoped he would come home. I honestly hoped he would be here today. The fact that he isn’t here makes his death that much more real.
So I am sitting here drinking a glass of the most fabulous, non-sulphite red wine ever and contemplating the fact that I must get up and go make some egg nog ice cream for the Cajun Boil dinner we are attending. The dinner will be with a family that is so similar to ours that they might as well be us. The father is an ex-judge, he and my father were collegaues for forever. The mother is an ever optimistic, somewhat oblivious and naive woman who is just fabulous. The daughters are close to my age and both amazing in their own ways. They are a dysfunctional bunch if ever there was one and I love them all dearly for it.
There are many things to mourn today, but so many to rejoice. For the rest fo the day I am going to focus on the joy. The happiness of friends, the sweetness of family and security of love. Happy Thanksgiving to all.