The tables are set, for 23, possibly 24, the menu passed to all the families with requests for certain dishes or desserts. Once again, we are grateful to be home and with high expectations for a great family gathering.
Our family gatherings have changed over the years. There was once the time when we gathered with our parents and siblings, then added to that the grandchildren, nieces and nephews. There were many years when we would send greetings, or videos, or golden leaves pressed between wax paper to my brother and his family when they were missionaries. As the grandchildren grew from teens to college graduates we had the addition of more family members. Some moved away to other states and gradually the siblings joined their children. For many years the gatherings centered around those who lived near and many years passed before the siblings could again join the Thanksgiving celebration.
This year we will welcome most of our children and about half of our grandchildren. There will be new guests in our house this year as two of our teen granddaughters will be bringing their boyfriends. We are excited that granddaughter Rebekah and husband Adam will join us with their baby daughter, Alyssa, 8 months.
Like you, I will begin the week with my food planning agenda and will continue with the food preparation until we all sit down around noon on Thursday. I have already warned my children that once I am seated, do not expect me to rise again. All the clean-up will be up to the rest of the family. That will be my time to be entertained by my family with piano, or conversation!
Lee is continuing to do well. He works on regaining his energy daily. The heart problems he encountered this Fall have left him without the strength he had earlier. He works very hard to regain and admits that it is a constant struggle. The redness has finally disappeared from the radiation to his scalp and forehead. The new growth has completely disappeared! Thank Goodness! He visited his local dermatologist this past week and returned with scars from three more biopsies on the right side of his face. We are hoping they are not squamous cell ca.! The report will be available sometime next week.
There will be two visits to Duke on Dec 3, & 4. We plan to stay at the Caring House once again and are looking forward to seeing some of our acquaintances for a short while.
We wish for each of you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!
More Later................................................................Brenda
I do remember receiving the autumn leaves in wax paper when we lived in Ecuador...and how the children, Betsy, and I enjoyed them. You were and are so very thoughtful! Thanks for the years you included us in your Thanksgiving feasts---it always feels like "home" when we were there. Enjoy those many guests and family and the memories being made. Happy Thanksgiving!
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