My Thanksgiving

A few weeks ago, I got a call from my parents. My Grandpa, who had fallen and had hip surgery, wasn't expected to make it through the night. They headed over to the hospital, and I made plans to fly out early the next morning to be there. My grandpa was 88 yrs. old, and had Alzheimer's. Well, he made it through the next night, and the next, but a week later, he died.

I was so glad I was able to be out in Kelowna with my family when this was all taking place. Art was amazing in encouraging me to go, and holding down the fort here.

This past Thanksgiving weekend, after I had been home for a few days, we headed back to Kelowna to celebrate my Grandpa's life together. All of my cousins except for one were there, and together, there were 50 of us. We had a great weekend visiting and catching up with each other, as well as talking about the impact that Grandpa had on all of us. It was quite impressive, really, as we all shared similar memories of this man. We was a man who didn't really have many, if any, friends, but he invested greatly into the lives of his family members. My grandparents had been married for 66 yrs.

On Saturday, my parents hosted turkey dinner for the family (I believe the final count was 51), and we continued to give thanks. It was loud and crazy and busy and fun....and bittersweet. I only hope that we don't have to wait for another funeral to get together again! Many of my cousins I haven't seen for many years, and it was so nice just to pick up where we've left off, and catch up. Unfortunately, most of my cousins kids weren't there (can you imagine how many of us would there be if that was the case?!), but we got to just hang out....and eat!

I am going to miss my Grandpa, and his quiet, gentle ways. His smirk, and quickwitted-ness (if you were listening for it), as well as his love for his family and the Lord. However, he's hanging out with Jesus right now.....and for that, I am thankful.