By Doug Creamer
November is a busy month for celebrating birthdays in my family. My mother-in-law turned 100 at the beginning of the month. My parents were born one day a part in the latter part of the month. My Dad passed away at 92 and my Mom celebrated her 93rd birthday.
For more than 10 years, we have celebrated my parents’ birthdays on the weekend closest to their birthdays. We gather the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids at my mother’s house for lunch and put up her Christmas tree. This year, we had 18 people in her small place, decorating, eating and having a great time together. When we left Mom’s house it looked like Christmas. We had a great time.
I store Mom’s Christmas decorations at my house. They stay out in my storage building and sometimes we find evidence of mice in some of the boxes. We have discovered nests and other gifts that caused some decorations to be tossed. My brother and I set up her tree and get the lights on. Then we step back and allow the great-grandchildren to decorate the tree. They were so excited and very well-behaved. They did a great job and my Mom was pleased.
We all took a little break and then my siblings and their spouses met for dinner to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. This year, we met at my brother’s house instead of our normal restaurant. We raised a toast to my Dad and then we shared stories, laughs and some memories. One of the best memories was the Honor Flight that he participated in a few years ago. Local people raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. The whole experience was very moving and touched my Dad and my brother. The best part was when they got home and about 1,000 people were in the airport to meet them and give them a hero’s welcome home. If you are a vet, I hope you get to take such a trip.
I am glad we got together to remember my Dad. It made for a full day. The holidays will be different without him this year. There will be an empty seat at the table as we gather to give thanks this year. Many others will experience the absence of loved ones from their Thanksgiving tables. I pray that it serves as a reminder to give thanks for our loved ones. When you gather around your table this year remember to be thankful for your family, even those that can drive you crazy. We all have some of them in our families.
I am thankful for my family. We have always been a close family, but I think that my Father’s passing has brought us all a little closer. I am thankful for my brother, who has worked tirelessly to settle Dad’s estate. I am thankful for my sisters who have shared some laughs, support and encouragement as we have worked through the loss of our Dad. We have shared our journey throughout this new process and been there for each other. I am thankful that my Mom has been here for all of us as we have experienced our loss together as a family.
I am thankful for my wife, our home, our cars, the flower and vegetable gardens, our relative good health, and the many, many, many other ways God has blessed us. This has been a really crazy year filled with many changes — some good and some tough — but God has been with us through all of them. He has carried us at times or simply held our hands at other times. His presence has been a comfort and the source of our strength. He has been everything He promised He would be in the scriptures.
By the time you read this, the Thanksgiving meal will have been consumed and we will be running full speed towards Christmas. I want to encourage you to slow down and really connect with the special people in your life. Connect with whatever family you have here with you. Connect with your church family, your brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand with you. Connect with your friends and neighbors and let them know how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to let your work friends know how much you appreciate their support and camaraderie. Share some laughs, eat some great food and enjoy each special moment…time moves so fast. It’s the holiday season…a time for joy, experiencing His great love, and allowing His perfect peace to invade your heart and mind.
