I would like to wish my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. I know that some of you have had a rough year and finding things to be thankful for may be a challenge. Others are leading very busy lives and this holiday may feel like work to you, or it may feel like a chance to rest. I hope that you can all spend Thanksgiving with loved ones.
Thanksgiving plans have been tenuous in my family for the last week. For one thing, we’ve been uncertain whether Sherill was going to be in or out of the hospital. We just found out last night that she will be in the hospital until at least next Monday. She was moved up to the oncology ward last night, which is very good news. She was beginning to get a bit peeved with the cardiologist because he insisted she has congestive heart failure and will have it the rest of her life. Her oncologist said that the water around her heart was a result of the cancer having formed in blobs on her ribs, so he’s going to start her on a different chemo regimen to blast it out of there. He says the fluid around her heart is only temporary. The regimen he’s going to put her on takes four days, which is why Sherill is being kept in the hospital until it’s over.
Fred got an invitation from his children to spend Thanksgiving with them, but he was holding off until he found out whether Sherill was going to be home or not. She finally told him that, regardless, he should go be with his kids because it’s been a couple years since they’ve all been together.
My kid-in-law has decided not to come because of some changes they have decided to make, but my son will be coming. My family keeps wishing that my son’s spouse would decide to come after all because the family doesn’t care about the changes. Family is still family. Perhaps another holiday they will come together.
There will be one person from outside the family who will be there. He is a political asylee my father has taken in for a couple months. He sounds like he’s led an interesting life, but I have heard that his African accent is very thick and hard to understand.
Thanksgiving is going to be at my father’s house. About a week ago, my stepmother came down with Shingles. The family has been concerned as to whether she is going to be up to the cooking and cleaning involved, but she and Dad insist that nothing has changed. She has medication that reduces the pain of the Shingles.
We are pulling it together and, even with people missing or being added, I think it’s going to be good. I am thankful that my sister is in a part of the hospital that understands her needs better. I am thankful that I am here with my family, disjointed as it may be. I am glad that we don’t have reason to seek asylum as our guest has had to. I have been in kind of low spirits, but I do recognize that I have much to be thankful for.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col 3:15-17)
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mark!
Glad to know Sherrill is getting the help she needs.
Wow, can’t believe it’s been 10 years!
Love you kids.