The First of Many Firsts

Mom, Walter and Oreo just drove away after a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We couldn't ask for a better visit with the cousins as we adjust to the absence of our "12th Man".  (Sorry Aggie fans!  We've always been a group of 12 and several occasions this holiday kept us recounting the number of our immediate family.)  There were many times when I thought, "Dad would LOVE this", including his teenage grandkids up until nearly 2:00 every night having a ball together.  He would have been in the middle of the action for sure.  Still, there were other times when I know Dad would have had a fit.  Our late arrival to a family Thanksgiving gathering gave us a good laugh!  We were responsible for "kid drinks" and we showed up with hot, GENERIC sodas, a cooler and some ice.  This would not have been tolerated!  We had to enjoy the lack of stress surrounding our failure.  While the grandkids loved every minute of their time together, we received several comments from our girls, "This is boring."  When we responded with how relaxing it was, someone came back with, "Way too relaxing!"  Dad kept them moving, sugared up and generally unattached to hand held devices.  We allowed them to be sedentary and we put no limits on time with eyes locked to multiple forms of technology.  I tried very hard to surround the grandkids with "reminders of Grandpa", but found it painfully obvious, while drinking a Bloody Mary, that these fun things and memories don't capture the essence of his strong presence in our midst.  There was a gaping hole.  Dad would be so proud of Mom as she continues her loving role in the family with strength, perseverance and grace.  We are so thankful for the blessing she is to all of us and we are grateful for such an enjoyable and comforting Thanksgiving surrounded by family.