Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving gets closer I have begun to think about all the good and bad things that have happened this year. I have lost a good friend, My business is doing very well, My youngest daughter is catching up on all the things that 21 months of being in an orphanage can do, my oldest is now in the gifted program in school, My wife is almost done her PhD. And many other smaller things that are just to hard to remember. BUT the biggest thing that happened this year is the progression of my mothers decline. She cant talk much now and I cant remember the last time she said my name. I am thankful that she seems in good spirit and that she doe still know who I am I think. She still wants to be with the grandkids and she smiles a lot when they hug or kiss her. I still miss being able to have a long talk or ask my mom anything. It is so sad to watch as someone you love declines, but still at this point I am thankful for her still being here. My dad is just being dad and taking care of mom he wont let anyone help really. I am thankful for his strength. Ill be thinking a lot about them as they travel to Albany NY for thanksgiving Ill be in NJ with the inlaws. Maybe next year we will spend the holiday with my folks and my sister.
It is hard to watch the years go by so fast and to know that the ones where the whole family could be together will soon be over. I hope that I can find some HOLIDAY spirit soon.