This afternoon, a large part of my family celebrated Thanksgiving at the home of Dave and Sally in Wichita. There were twenty-six of us present, all related by blood or marriage and maybe even both in several cases. (We're still trying to sort a few family tree things out!) It was a wonderful time with feasting and fellowship and laughter, the definition of a family holiday. Before we ate, Dave and Sally's brother-in-law, Phil Watson, led us in a beautiful prayer of thanks and remembrances, including my nephew, Seth, who is deployed in Iraq. Four years ago, we celebrated our last Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad. The entry below is from 11-22-07 and the picture is of my parents with their grandson, Ben, who is now married to the lovely Courtney. So much has happened in the past forty-eight months that it seems as if it were yesterday. Tonight, I'm grateful for family, living and passed on, and I praise the Lord for memories.
This was a Thanksgiving to remember! Last night, we began sorting through Mom's and Dad's belongings as a preliminary step to putting their house on the market. Sally and Karen decided it would be easier to buy our dinner at a restaurant so Thanksgiving was courtesy of Boston Market. They gave us a great deal on a meal for twelve and since there was a mix up, they threw in two free turkeys! Surrey Place provided a spacious room as well as drinks and plates/utensils free of charge! There were thirteen of us between the folks, the three boys, wives, grand kids, and Seth's lovely girlfriend, Lauren. Dad was so thrilled to have us together as a family, especially to spend a holiday with Mom. We opened our meal, at Dad's request, with the reading of Psalms 20 and 73. After lunch, we retired to the chapel and entertained ourselves for another half hour by singing, laughing, and just being together. Dad was worn out by the excitement and Mom was as well. We hope we have more of these celebrations in future years as a family. May the Lord bless you this November 22.
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
http://www.hawleybooks.com/
E-mail me at steve!hawleybooks.com
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing this Steve. I miss them so much! I miss all of you as well. I hope your Thanksgiving was a blessed one.
With love and prayers,
Susan
when it's all said and done Family is all we have. it is great to read that your family spends time loving and enjoying life oppose to fighting... May the Lord continue to Bless you and your family!
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