It’s Thanksgiving In July!
Okay, so this might be out of left field because it’s the July 4th (Independence Day) holiday and I should probably write something patriotic. But, right now, I’m kinda feeling as though it’s Thanksgiving in July. “Why might you say that, Sue?” you might ask. Well, here’s the thing. I spent the afternoon yesterday up at the lake with my family and friends – and I can’t help but think how absolutely thankful I am for all of them, and here’s why…
I’m Thankful For My Family
I know that other people say they have the best family in the whole world, but for me, I am beyond blessed to have all of my family in my life. During the afternoon that I spent with them (yes, I had the pleasure of spending time with my entire immediate family – and then some), I watched them, I interacted with them, and I couldn’t help but get a little happy feeling in my heart.
Let’s Start With My Parents
My mom is the absolute best. In her mid 80s; she is still working part-time, she does Pilates, is very tech savvy for someone her age (heck, she spends more time on Facebook than I do, that’s for sure!), and she is quite the social butterfly. She enjoys spending time with people and, as I found out during our car-ride up to the lake, she still helps out her neighbors every chance she gets. Mom also has very strong feelings about certain things and will do her best to fight – okay, I don’t like the word fight, but I’m at a loss for a better word right now – for that which she believes in. She’s always been that way, and always will be that way!
My dad – oh my dad! My dad definitely likes to be the life of the party. He is a prime example of acting as you wish, regardless of your chronological age. Dad is currently in his late 80s and can definitely hold his own when it comes to partying like a rock star. Of course, life isn’t always a party. Dad also has very strong feelings about things and anyone who lives in his area can attest to the fact that he fights – okay, I’ll stick with that word – for what he believes in as well.
I LOVE my parents and am beyond blessed to have still have them both here on this earth!
And, I would be remiss if I didn’t now share my appreciation and love for Ida, my dad’s partner in life for VERY many years. Ida, you are absolutely amazing! Dad and Ida are a wonderful couple – and team. Ida has stuck by my dad for many years, probably even some years when she might have wanted to not stick by him, and was INCREDIBLE when he had his bypass surgery. (Ida, I can’t even begin to thank you for everything you did for my dad during that time.) Ida has been his rock when he needed one, and they now are each other’s rocks in life as they both advance in age.
Then There’s My Sister and Brother-in-Law
Gosh, what can I say about my sister and brother-in-law that would do them justice? Well, I love my sister more than she will probably ever know. She drives me crazy sometimes, just because that’s what sisters do, but as anyone who knows her will tell you, she absolutely has a heart of gold. She gives more than she gets, almost to the point that I think people don’t really appreciate it. I know that I sometimes take her generosity for granted, but then there are the times that I get all contemplative (check out the big word!) and realize just how awesome she is. She even nursed me after my facelift surgery, although I’m sure she got a little happiness from bossing around her big sister. Patty, I love you more than I can ever express. I can’t imagine how I could have been so blessed to have you as my sister. I suppose I have my parents to thank for that. So, thanks mom and dad!
And, I would be remiss if I didn’t share just how thankful I am that Patty’s husband, Ted, is in my life. They have been married for (OMG) 29 years, and I can’t imagine a better man to have as my brother-in-law. Ted is pretty much non-stop and is equally as giving as Patty (well, they are a true team, so I guess it’s equal). I can honestly say that Ted is the best brother-in-law I could ever possibly have. I watched Ted (not in a stalker kind of way, mind you) while I was up at their place at the lake yesterday and just couldn’t help but think to myself how blessed (I know, I’m saying blessed a lot) we all are that he is a part of our family. Ted works very hard at what he does professionally, and when he’s “relaxing” he’s still working at making sure that everyone is happy. The fact that he was up and down the steps about a million times yesterday afternoon to check on and then get the beef brisket (which by the way was freaking amazing!) just right and then he took us all out on the boat and to places where everyone would get the most enjoyment. That’s just one example of how he thinks of others all the time, there are way too many other times, too many to mention! Thank you, Ted! You’re beyond awesome!
And, My Awesome Nephews
Then there are my two nephews, Clay and Danny. They are about the best nephews I could possibly hope for. Sure, part of it is in their upbringing (yes, thanks to Patty and Ted), but the time comes when they have to take what they’ve learned and kinda run with it. And, run with it they have. Clay and Danny, I am so very proud of both of you. You have both grown into amazing men and I am so eager to continue watching what you do with your lives. Since you are both still young I won’t go into details. But, I am very eagerly looking forward to what you make of your lives, both personally and professionally, and how you will “hopefully” continue to grow our family – hint, hint! Okay, okay…so Rebecca, you are soooooo close to being an official part of our family, well you might as well be! I would like some special reasons for future blog posts so that I can share how awesome you are as well! Just sayin’.
Yes, So I Am Very Thankful
So anyway, yes it might be July, but I am thinking about how thankful I am for my family. So, for me, it is Thanksgiving in July!
Am I thankful for our nation’s independence? Sure! But, I’m equally, okay even more so, thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. And, yes, I have waaaaaaay too many family members in my extended family to even begin mentioning all of them. OMG, I’d be here for three years if I tried to express my gratitude for everyone in my extended family – both blood and non-blood relatives!
*hugs you all*
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