It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know the song refers to the Christmas season, but I disagree. I believe the Thanksgiving season is the most wonderful time. It is my favorite by far.
This thanksgiving, 2011, I am blessed beyond my wildest comprehension. There has been loss.
And there has been gain.
How much things can change in one year.
This time last year, I saw my dad alive for the last time. We sat on the steps of my old house on a beautiful Autumn day as birds honked above overhead. I mistakenly called them geese. He was quick to inform me they were sandhill cranes. He always loved the birds.
We took a drive around the old Celanese plant where he spent some time working years ago, and although we didn’t say much of anything, I’m sure he was venturing down his own memory lane, just as I am now. Days gone by. Out of reach.
I snapped this last picture of him and my sister lying in the floor, right before we watched Four Christmases together. He forgot that blue handkerchief when he left. It’s now washed and folded and put away in a box of things, along with a pair of glasses left forgotten. He passed away the following February, and I have missed him everyday since.
But we shall meet again, and there will be rejoicing.
This time next year, we will have a 10 month old little girl crawling around, possibly beginning to pull up, yanking all the popcorn and cranberries strands from the Christmas tree. She will have brown hair and brown eyes and little dimples on her knees. We will play peek-a-boo and patty cake, feed her pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream, and smother her in kisses.
And I’ll be tired, but it will all be worth it.
Things change. There’s no doubt I’ve changed.
And thank God for that.
Robert Frost said he could sum life up in three words. “It goes on.”
And thank God for that too.
I hope you take a moment to be thankful today and everyday. We are so blessed.
Praise God.
Cherish Loved Ones.
Be happy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Angel
Angel Wheeler 
well, thanks a lot, now i am crying my eyes out….no really thanks a lot…i love reading what you have to say…just like i could and did listen to your dad for hours…i am truly blessed and so thankful for all my family and my dear sweet friends…you my friend are so special thanks again….for making me laugh and cry…
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So thank-ful for you, Love ya girl, have a wonderful trip!
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Good stuff, Angel. I like the quote from Frost and will probably use it. My own quote is “Give it a year; a lot can happen in a year.” A life gone; a life beginning. Have a wonderful Christmas season, focusing on your new life as I know you will.
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Such a lovely post. Had me stop, think, smile and say thank you. Thank you for that and for sharing.
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Love the Robert Frost quote and it is so true! I thought of you and J-Dub yesterday while I had all five of my great grandbabies in the same room and was able to play with them and read to them! They all love to be read to, and I just thought to myself ..”I bet Angel will be one to do a lot of reading to Emma Kate”! (Don’t know where that came from with all the craziness of 22 people mulling around, grazing on food and visiting with each other!) We lost two and gained two this year, as well, so I somewhat know your feelings. A blessed holiday season to you kids and your family. Until next time … Donna H.
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Angel, this is wonderful! The picture of your Dad and sister gave me chills (in a good way), especially when you mentioned the blue handkerchief.
Bless you for sharing this with us. Your words are wonderful. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Oh, Angel. This made me cry like a baby. I miss him too, I think he would be surprised by how much everyone misses him. Lots of great memories…what else can we ask for? You know, don’t count on that brown hair and brown eyes…you might end up with a little red haired, blued eyed baby girl…:) Can’t wait to see her, I may have to steal her.
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