I posted a note to ask how your thanksgiving went? Did you see it? Did the relatives come in to town, did you have Pumpkin Pie and Turkey, and gravy and of course mashed potatoes? Did you sit around in the living room watching the Cowboys win in the fourth quarter? Did you play games and laugh and wonder how in the world you could have consumed so many rolls in one sitting? Were you truly thankful for all the people surrounding you or was there that one person, or possibly two that drove you crazy? Did you cook? Did you help your mom clean up the kitchen? Did you pause and step back and survey your surroundings? Did you wonder why in the world you were so blessed?

I did.

I sat a while after my mom left for work and everyone was gone it was just my dad and I. We didn't always get along well growing up, we rarely saw eye to eye. We didn't understand each other. Now we do. My dad told me something yesterday that I had forgotten. He said, "Eddie, when you graduated high school at 17 you told your mother, 'I graduated high school today and dad doesn't even know who I am'." I don't remember saying that, but I probably did. I never felt like I could please him growing up. But God has a way of working in peoples lives, changing people miraculously. My dad is now truly my dad. I can go to him for anything, he understands me and I understand him. We spent a lot of time yesterday just talking about the past and the present. We said some things that had long been unsaid, we asked questions of each other that needed to be asked. Part of the reason I stayed and behind was because of a blog I read from a girl named Sara over at Stickymuffin.

Here is part of what she said... and I took it to heart.

Dont forget birthdays, or anniversaries. Dont forget to tell the people you love that you love them. Dont forget that work can wait.....but children will grow up and important events and milestones will come and go whether youre there or not. I want the people I care about remember that I was there, rather than the excuses I gave bc I wasnt. I do everything I can to make sure that I am at family events. When I was a freshman in college I was on the rowing team. I had to miss my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary celebration bc I had a meet that weekend. I dont row anymore, and Ill never get back that I missed that day. Im not in the pictures, or a part of any of the stories they tell. After my dads stroke I would inform, not ask, my boss when I would miss work bc of a family reunion or other event. I made my choice as to what was more important. Work can wait, and if they disagree with me, I can find another job.

I love you.

Happy Thanksgiving.