Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was the first holiday that Randy and I shared. I had run a half marathon that morning in Atlanta. Afterwards I loaded up the dogs and myself and drove to Tennessee. He had picked up Thanksgiving dinner for us and had it all set up when I arrived (I do not recommend rehydrating after running with chardonnay - it does not work!) I still remember his Facebook post from that first Thanksgiving together - he posted our picture and said "Lots to be thankful for this year." 

We always spend Thanksgiving in Tennessee, and it was always just the 2 of us. I was in charge of the turkey and stuffing and Randy did the gravy. We usually picked up a few sides from the freezer section (Savanah Classics was a favorite) and we had leftovers for days. 

Last year was the first year we didn't have a big feast. Randy was still on the feeding tube after surgery. He  had just passed his swallow test so he was starting to add some food. We thought that there was always next year. I think I ate popcorn after putting up Christmas lights outside, while Randy dined on clear liquids. 

This week is hard and Thanksgiving will be even harder. All of my Facebook memories this week involve pictures of Randy and I over the years on Thanksgiving. They are both heartwarming and difficult to see. And as much as I'd like to pull the covers over my head on Thanksgiving and ignore the day, I won't. I will go to my Mom's, hug everyone, shed a few tears and cherish our time together. 

No one knows what the future will bring, so slow down and enjoy the time with your loved ones. Take the pictures even if your hair isn't perfect or you've got a gravy stain on your shirt. Say I love you. Call the people that you miss. Be present. Because you just don't know. 




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