Thanksgiving at the Ford's

If you've noticed...it's been a while since I last posted. I have been pretty busy in the last few weeks, but also been sick or the kids have been sick, and all around things have just been pretty hectic.

But despite all of that, there has also been this great fullness that I've felt.

And my mind has pretty much been running in overdrive. I have been learning some really wonderful things from my Bible study group: the chosen books have been wonderful, and I've heard from God on a number of issues that I need to work on. Also, though, it has been so amazing to see God working in the lives of the other members of my group. I have felt Him speaking on such a number of things, that it has been hard to really narrow it down. I have thought many times that I would like to write, but when I sit down, I'm not sure what I want to focus on. (But, right now, I feel thankful, so I'll share that!!)

With Thanksgiving in a few short days, we spent this past Saturday with Grant's dad's side of the family at his Aunt Barbara's house. We always have such a great time at her and Russ's house because it is so different from what we are used to. Surrounded by a lot of land is something we don't get to enjoy everyday with houses on top of each other in our neighborhood. So...anytime we are at the Ford's, we greatly enjoy this freedom. The kids run and play, climb trees (even when repeatedly told not to...ha ha), go on walks to find rocks, roast marshmallows by the red-neck fireplace, just have an all around good time. Not once do the kids ask to watch TV. So...the kids have a great time, which goes without saying, but I am guessing that the adults have just as good a time. I know I do.

There is something to be said, about just being with family. Thanksgiving is one of those holidays. You aren't worried if you got the right gift for the right person, or if you spent enough money or too much on this gift. You are just "being" with your family.

And that is what I enjoyed so much about Saturday. It was a day of just "being" and enjoying. Last year at Thanksgiving, we also spent some time at their house, and it was one of my most fondest memories in a long time. As most of you reading this know, we've had a rough year with the Pittman family. Last year at Thanksgiving, Grant's brother Cory was in the hospital having just had a motorcycle wreck and having significant brain trauma due to his wreck. Grant's father, who sadly passed away this past May, was sharing Thanksgiving with us, but was sick. I remember thinking that it would be the last Thanksgiving we'd share with him. Things were just pretty sad last year, but despite our sadness, it is one of the most special times I remember spending with our family. There was a closeness, a feeling of this deep need to be together. Like I said before, a time that will forever be etched in my memory.

And this year, will probably be no different. I was very sad, because the absence of those not with us was felt greatly. I know Mr. Tom would have loved to see Audrey and Colby playing with the new little puppies. Or to see the older kids, pouring out their bags of rocks and finding the "best" ones. Or watching them catch their marshmallows on fire. None of them really liked the marshmallows, but they loved turning them to a blacken crisp and then begging one of the adults to eat them. [Come to think of it...I'm sure Mr. Tom did get to see all of that!!!] So, there was absence. Grant's stepmom, who is having her first Thanksgiving without her husband, or Grandma without her son. Stacie, Grant, Cory, and Heath without their father. Barbara, Carolyn and Sherry without their brother. And all the grandkids without their "Papa." Sherry and David weren't with us this year, because Sherry was walking in the Breast Cancer 3-day event in San Diego (Thanks Sherry!!!) and we missed them being with us. And then there was Christi and Joey, who would have soon been bringing their baby home with them, had they not lost the baby early in pregnancy. But I was also glad, because sitting with us was Cory, who is almost completely recovered from his accident. What a blessing! Especially since last year at this time, we didn't know how things would be for him. A lot of layers. A lot of sadness. A lot of progress. A lot of family!!!

And I think that is why I have loved our time there so much. We aren't on a schedule, we aren't on a routine....lunch is at 1-ish, (which for some is One o'clock, others it's 4:30 p.m.), and we can just sit back and enjoy. That's how I would describe it "joy-filled," even despite the sadness. Because in the absence of those not there, you sensed the love from the family to help you through.

So, thank you Barbara and Russ, for making us all welcome at your home! I will always have great memories!! (And many more to come!)

I am thankful so much for the family that I have. I am thankful that God has chosen to bless us. And I am thankful that despite the sadness, He still is with us, showing us everyday the joy that comes from being more like Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,
During this Thanksgiving season, I thank you for my family. I thank you for giving me special times like this past Saturday to have in my memory forever. I thank you for each and every one of the family members there and those that weren't, and pray that you will be with them. Thank you for the blessings that you have given. As we approach Thanksgiving day, let us be mindful of the reason we have to give thanks. Dear Lord, I know that there are many people having Thanksgiving this year without a loved one. Please comfort them and surround them with loving friends and family to help them through.
I love you, Amen.