A different Thanksgiving

 

This was the first Thanksgiving we didn't have any of the kids or grandkids with us. Since we were going to be alone, we planned on having a quiet day here but just as were about to finalize those plans, we got an unexpected invitation from my husband's cousin. After mulling it over for a few minutes, we decided to accept. Why spend time alone when we could be with others? 

We drove out the country and as we pulled down the long gravel driveway, were instantly met by 4 large, black Pit Bulls. They ran in front of our car and were trying to bite the tires. As we tried to inch forward, they'd run and dart in front of us. We were afraid we'd hit one so we began honking the car horn, hoping the owners would come out and call them off, but they never did, so we proceeded praying we wouldn't kill one of the beasts. 

We kept driving down the long road and finally reached his cousin's house. When we pulled into their garage, one of her sons came out to greet us. He asked if the neighbor's dogs had bothered us and before we could answer, the hounds of hell were right there beside us! We're both petrified of Pit Bulls, so we quickly closed the car door. Our cousin's son told us the dogs were harmless and we could get out. Trusting him, we opened the door slowly and climbed out with our prepared additions to the Thanksgiving meal. 

Inside was a group of about a dozen people, more than we expected. We met everyone and sat down at a long buffet table to pray and eat. It was a little overwhelming to be among strangers. I'd only met Connie (Phil's cousin) once or twice before at some of his relatives funerals. 

When we'd finished eating, Gene, Connie's husband asked if we'd like to go to his shop and see his antique car. We were excited to leave the commotion of the gathering and sneak off to a quieter place. 

Gene took me in his golf cart up to the shop. (He has a prosthetic leg and walking on uneven terrain is difficult for him. It's difficult for me, too! I'm supposed to have a total knee replacement so I've been wearing a brace for the past year and a half.) 

When we got to the shop, we were amazed! The shop was huge and had 3 bays. Gene has been working on cars since he was 13 and has restored many older vehicles. Sitting in the first bay was his pride and joy, a 1965 Mustang Fastback. It was in pristine condition and fire engine red. I wanted to drool when I saw it! When I was in highschool, I'd always wanted a 1965 Mustang. Several of my friends' parents had bought them cars and many of them were Mustangs. I knew I'd never be able to get one. My parent's couldn't afford such a luxury and I'd just started working. I didn't have enough money to buy one on my own so I tucked that dream deep in my heart hoping one day I'd get one. 

Gene told us all about the car and told us about the many trophies he'd one for car shows he participated in. All over the shop walls were various automobile tags from the 1930's on up and from all over the world. Gene said he collected them and his wife would often find them on Ebay for him. They were very interesting. 

After visiting a little longer, we left to get home before dark. We were thankful they'd included us in their holiday although we really missed our own family. 

 

The Reality of Aging

Today, my husband and I went to see the movie, Bonhoeffer. It was the first time we'd ever gone to a theater in the middle of the day on a weekday. We arrived early and took our seats. Over the next fifteen minutes, we watched as one older couple after another came in. By the time the movie started, there were only 6 couples in the theater all between the ages of 65 and 75. That's when it hit me, we're old and I guess, since retired, older people have the freedom to do what they want when they want, they can go to the movies at unpopular times. 

I wanted to see the movie because it was supposed to be based on Christian martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I'd studied about him in seminary years ago. I was a little disappointed in the movie because of the way it jumped from past to present and there were a lot of gaps that needed to be filled to complete the story line, but all in all, it was well done. 

I loved the scenes with him in the all black nightclub and the all black church. Those were powerful and heartfelt. The scenes in the Catholic/Anglican church (not sure which it was) weren't nearly as well done and left a lot to be desired. I felt the Bible could have been quoted more and more attention given to his faithfulness as a servant of God, but I guess those things don't draw a crowd of movie goers. 

Angel Studios, a Mormon company, has begun to put out a lot more films since the popularity of the Chosen was created. I don't agree with the tenants of the Mormon faith, they're so close, but so far in understanding the Trinity of God, but their movies and TV shows are well done and people enjoy them. Two previews of their upcoming films were shown today - Homestead and Brave the Dark. Both of those look like they'd be worth watching. Brave the Dark is based on a true story while Homestead is a post apocalyptic film. It will be interesting to see how those are received by the public. 

I do like that Angel Studios allows people to "pay it forward." You can purchase an advance ticket for someone who might not be able to afford one. That's a great ministry. Too bad Christian ministries don't do that, because we should. 

Our movie theater is nice. We like that it's always clean and is very close to our home, but we don't like the fact that they keep it so cold in there. It feels like a meat locker! Thankfully, I took a polar fleece jacket today. Next time, I'll take a blanket, too! 

Movies are little pleasures we don't enjoy often, so when we get to go, it's a special treat. We don't buy anything from the concession stand, instead we bring our own bottled water and a treat or two.

If you like historical movies, especially those about men of faith, you might enjoy this one. There were no curse words in it but there was some violence.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner

 

Wow. I haven't written much this year and I don't really know why other than the fact that I've been busy. It's a sad excuse and one I'm ashamed to admit, particularly since I love writing. 

It's hard to believe how fast the year has flown. My grandmother always used to say, "The older you get, the faster time flies." Boy, was she right. At almost 67, it seems I blink and the year is over. 

Thanksgiving will be in 9 days! It's a time of year I've always enjoyed but this year, it will be very different. Instead of getting to spend the day with my family, I'll be spending it with some of my husband's relatives. 

I'd posted on Facebook about our plans to spend the holiday alone this year since the kids were doing their own thing, and was pleasantly surprised when my husband's cousin reached out. Her invitation to have us join their family was unexpected but very welcomed. Since most of my husband's relatives are already deceased or live far away, we don't get to see them often other than at funerals and I felt it important to accept her gracious offer. It will definitely be different, especially since I don't know his side of the family well, but I'm sure we'll enjoy being with them and making new memories. 

I'm thankful I won't have to do all the meal prep this year, as I normally do. I won't have to scour the house making sure everything is clean and tidy before the kids and grands rush in. Instead, I'll make a couple of dishes to take with us and I'll get a chance to enjoy the day in a new way. Of course, I'll miss the banter and laughter that normally accompanies the kids when they arrive, but it might be nice to have a peaceful, quiet holiday with older folks. 

Thinking back over the years, I have so much to be grateful for. I've almost lost my life several times, but God's allowed me to live. In 1971, my gallbladder burst and gangrene began to set in prompting my doctor to do emergency surgery to remove the organ. I'd suffered for an entire year before they ever figured out what was wrong with me. 

In 1991, I was in a terrible car accident. I was hit head on by a 2 1/2 ton truck. The driver was diabetic and had forgotten to take his insulin that morning. He lost conciousness while driving and hit me head on. My right leg was crushed and had to be put back together with steel pins. I was in a wheelchair for a year and a half. My bones didn't want to fuse back together and the doctor talked about amputation, but God allowed me to slowly recover. I spent another year on crutches before being able to walk without aid. I was so grateful.

In 2005, an endocrinologist discovered lumps in my throat. Biopsies revealed they were precancerous so I had to have my thyroid gland removed.

In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Aggressive medical treatment which included surgery helped me survive. 

Earlier this year, I had another major surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. Just a few days after that surgery, I had complications that led to the development of an ileus (which basically means your bowel shuts down.) I was rushed to the ER and spent a week in the hospital until they could get me stablized. 2 more times this year, I've been rushed to the ER with tacycardia...it's like Satan has tried over and over again to take me out, but God said it isn't time yet. 

Every day I feel like I'm living on borrowed time. That's why I look for reasons to be grateful. I've started writing down at least 3 things each day for which I'm thankful. It's helped to shift my focus from my physical ailments to one of gratitude. 

The health issues aren't quite over though. In January, I'll have a total knee replacement. My left knee has given out. I've already had 2 surgeries on it and have had 4 cortisone injections trying to prolong the inevitable. I don't want another surgery, but I love walking so I'm going to have to do it. The doc says there's no cartilage in there anymore and I'm currently walking bone on bone. 

We have so much to be thankful for - not only the physical comforts we enjoy on a daily basis, but for all the blessings God allows into our lives.This Thanksgiving, I pray you'll find yourself looking for reasons to celebrate His goodness. There are others more unfortunate than you, whether you know them or not. 

This is the first year I've put my Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving, too! Since we weren't going to have any of the family here to celebrate Thanksgiving with us, I figured why not. At least I'll get to enjoy the pretty tree and decorations a few weeks longer than normal and I may decide to leave it up til mid January, too. 

Holiday traditions are wonderful. We find peace and comfort in the routine, but I think sometimes God wants us to be willing to be flexible. I'm trying hard to think that way and look for unexpected blessings in the flexibility. 

There's a wonderful book I read years ago called "1000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. The book focuses on her desire to live a life of gratitude after tragically losing her little sister. She learned that living Eucharisteo means living a life of thanks. It's a very poignant book and if you haven't read it, I hope you will. 

May you find much to be thankful for this year and may God bless you with the love of family and friends this holiday season. I'll try to write more in the days ahead, I've already made it one of my New Year's resolutions.