Nov. 23rd, 2009

Since today is the only day I get off before Thanksgiving, thought I would share some memories of Thanksgivings past.

Growing up with Grandma and Thanksgiving meant: No matter what we didn't have we always had pleanty of food! What a cook she was. Amy could cook like her, I on the other hand can make somethings well but not like them. Back in the day then you went to school from September to November without any holidays or teacher's inservice Thanksgiving was a much needed break. Before Daddy died I don't remember much about what we did except eat all day. After he died our Aunt Johnnie or Aunt Robbie (or both) would come down with their families. We would go to our cousin Gary's house. Now just to help those who may not understand let me break this down for you.....

Our Grandma was one of eleven children. Her brothers and sisters helped her lots with us girls after Daddy passed. Jasper, Lack, Eddie, Hack, Junior, Olamae, Alma, Suenell, Maddie, Delene and Sibyl (Grandma). I know I did not spell all of them correctly nor are they in order. I'm just luckly I remembered them all. (Really with names like those!) Most of them lived close to us so one of them was always coming by or calling. Their grandchildren were around our age so I grew up with lots of cousins. Third cousins but cousins none the less. I always liked this. It was fun having extra family like that. Made what I had already lost easier. I'm sure most of them never knew that. I should tell them.

You never knew what the day was going to be like. Some would watch football all day or you played outside. If the weather was bad we would all be in a bedroom or a basement. I'm sure we got mad and fought. I don't remember that. I do remember playing football or going out in the woods and swinging on vines. Square dancing with Kent to make everyone else laugh. I think one year we even broke someones bed cause we were juming and doing flips on it. I wish I had engery like that now! It was always good times.

As we got older guess we all just went our separate ways. I'm thankful for the time I had with all of them. Sometimes I want to go back and do it all over again. Pay more attention. Enjoy it more. Just to be with those people again....

This year will be hard. Russell is bring Emily and Ethan. I want them to have good memories like I do. I am going to have to try every hard to help them through the holidays. I really don't hae a plan. I will just be here for them thats really all I can do.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Be good to your loved ones and if you are holding any resentment for anyone.... let it go. Its not worth it!



Ada