Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning, y’all! Wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a very happy Thanksigiving. I can’t believe this year is close to being over! Where did the time go? Before you know it, Christmas will be here and then … 2011. If you’re a political junkie like me, you passed a lot of the time this year being cautiously optimistic about the possibility that the GOP would regain control of at least one chamber of Congress – and we did just that … of which I am totally thankful.

Of course, we all have MUCH more to be thankful for this year than just political wins. It goes without saying that my family is very happy to have dad home for Thanksgiving. He is doing very well – sleeping a bit more (they said that would happen after the biopsy because it was a little invasive) but other than that he is his normal self (normal as normal can be for my dad! LOL). Thanks again so much for all the well wishes and prayers. It really does mean a lot to me, and my family, too. The family will all be gathered at my sister’s house later this morning for Thanksgiving festivities. Can’t wait to smell all that delish food cooking, simmering, etc.

In my intial thread I started about what was going on with dad, some of you noted that you had a family member, too, who was going through a health issue. My prayers are with you. Someone even posted that they had lost a loved one recently. I am so sorry – my condolences. I’ve experienced the loss of a dear loved one around the holidays (my grandmother passed away the first week in December back in the mid-80s). Of course, it is always hard to cope with the loss of a loved one, but to have it happen during the holidays cuts especially close. Thoughts and prayers …

In closing, as you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving table this year getting ready to cut the turkey, please remember those who can’t be home to do the same: Our men and women in uniform serving this great nation.

God bless them, and their families who eagerly await their return home. For those military families who will permanently be serving one less loved one at the table, I pray that God continues to wrap his loving arms around you and surrounds you with comfort and peace as you deal with your loss. The sacrifices of your loved one and his/her fellow troops will never be forgotten.

To all: If you’re traveling today to be with family and friends, be safe! And if you plan on being out shopping for those uber-early morning Black Friday deals, make sure to bring along with you a heavy dosage of PATIENCE. Have a great holiday, everyone.