Thanksgiving; a national holiday that we modern day Americans celebrate in recognition of God's blessings so generously lavished upon us in proliferated abundance.
Growing up, Thanksgiving was celebrated at my MawMaw's house. Pulling into the drive, we'd be thrilled to see my grandfather's vast display of outdoor Christmas lights and holiday displays placed perfectly on their house and around their yard. Inside, her tree stood impressively in front of the big bay window in her den. It's impossible, when thinking back on those days, not to have an instant smell memory of her turkey and dressing envelope my mind and that makes my heart ache as I miss her something awful.
While the holiday is celebrated with food in mass quantities, that's never been my favorite part. It's being fully immersed in the company of those I love most. This Thanksgiving, our family was doubly blessed with invites to two separate get-togethers, each fabulous in their own ways.
Thanksgiving at my moms consisted of our traditional family spread that included my grandmother's recipe for cornbread dressing cooked by my Mama. Mawmaw would have been proud! Thank you, MamaMeMeMarmeMo, for hosting such a lovely feast for us!
My Mama heart was missing my adult kids terribly but I am incredibly thankful they were able to celebrate with their significant others and their families. Lindsey cooked the turkey for her fella's family, and I've no doubt it was delish!
Our second celebration of the day took place at the home of Tara and Mitchell. Tara is Luke's cousin. Many thanks to Tara and Mitchell for hosting such a fabulous dinner. The company was just as wonderful as the feast!
We had a one day break before hosting a lil shindig at our farmhouse, with both of our families, that consisted of Christmas music, gingerbread house construction and decorating, so much food and Christmas punch, firepit "cousin time", bountiful laughter, storytelling...togetherness. We felt prolifically blessed having everyone in our home, filling it to the brim with their sweet presence.
There was a pang in my heart derived from the fact that my firstborn was not just absent from the week's festivities, with us, but also several states away. I can't praise God enough, though, for the ability to have many FaceTime calls with such a vast amount of miles in between us. That has been my saving grace since their move. Even still, I can't wait to have them at arms length again! Prayerfully soon!
I want to conclude by extending a million thanks to my sweetheart. I was stretched pretty thin, this past week, and not feeling especially strong and well. He has been my strength and my comfort and, without a doubt, the better part of us. God blessed me well when he put Luke in my life. He is selfless, thoughtful, and true. I am in awe that God loves me so much that He'd gift me with such a precious soul, as my Luke.
