Since Jeff’s diagnosis of this end stage Renal and Polycystic Kidney disease on November 9, 2016, I have noticed a trend with each Thanksgiving holiday since.
Thanksgiving 2016 – Planned Thanksgiving dinner at my sister’s house postponed until the weekend. We couldn’t have dinner on Thanksgiving, but we were able to get it in a few days later; better late than never.
Thanksgiving 2017 – Jeff wasn’t feeling the best, but we were able to make the trip for our Thanksgiving dinner ON Thanksgiving to be with family – thankful for another Thanksgiving with him.
November 22, 2018 – A week to the day before Thanksgiving, Jeff was in the early stages of death when I arrived home to find him unresponsive. We arrived to the hospital just in time and he was released on Sunday, November 25th. But, once again, we were blessed with another Thanksgiving with family.
Thanksgiving 2019 – All was actually well; unless my brain is in complete overload and I'm forgetting something.
Thanksgiving 2020 – Jeff is really struggling now more than ever, and due to this evil Covid; too many families will be unable to be together. Thanksgiving or no Thanksgiving, I’m thankful he’s still with all of us.
Regardless of our heavy hearts in not being able to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, I have to say I’m thankful for the technology we have to communicate with each other; at least in some form. Is seeing each other in person more desired? Of course, but we must put one foot in front of the other and utilize the tools we have to “be together” through technology, as we do it most every day without thinking about it.
I think about the members of the Military, Police, Doctors, Nurses, Firefighters, and other emergency personnel who sacrifice their time with their loved ones not only on holidays, but daily. I’m then reminded I don’t have it so bad, and I’m thankful to have those people out there trying to keep us safe and healthy.
Just as with so many other people, I tend to take everyday life for granted by not staying in closer contact with family and friends. I become stubborn at times telling myself it’s a two way street, and they can pick up the phone and call me once in a while too. The truth is though, having such an attitude doesn’t help the situation; someone must make the first move in keeping close relationships going. It’s amazing when we do get together with family and friends, everyone talks about how we don’t get together anymore, and what a shame it is, but then we go on with our busy lives without making more of an effort to at least stay in touch by phone.
What I’m most thankful for is the family and friends God has blessed us with. He doesn’t always intervene in keeping us from the dark times, but I can say this; He always gives us a life raft of support with loved ones during those dark times to remind us we’re not alone. It’s up to us to take hold of that life raft.
From my family to yours - Happy Thanksgiving; may you all rejoice in what God has given you.
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