A Thanksgiving Day Resolution

     You know Loo, today was a great family day.  Every year my sweet little Daddy asks the blessing over the Thanksgiving meal, but today it just seemed sweeter.  I am 50 years old--there, now you know- and for at least forty-six of those years I have listened to him ask God's blessing on each person around the table.  Today was special because, for the first time in my life I realized, at the age of 82, there will not be forty-six more years of listening to him bless our food.  It was with mixed emotions I enjoyed his petition to God to bless each one there today.  At one time he called us each by name, but because of his great legacy and the generations he has grandfathered, the house is getting a little full, making it impossible for him to remember the names of each and every one of us.
       I have a new grandbaby coming soon, and I have been contemplating this "family" thing.  With the passing of my sweet little Grannie two years ago, my mortality began to wave at me from the distance.  Life is an earthly gathering where people come and people go, and the best we can do is enjoy them while they are here.  So, even though it is not New Years Day yet, I am making a resolution to enjoy my family more.  To take notes of their little triumphs, heartbreaks and quirky little habits that make them who they are.  To savor the differences we have and laugh at the similarities  we share involuntarily. 
      I don't know who this new little baby is going to be yet.  I don't even know if it is a boy or girl. It is like having a wrapped present that says, "DO NOT OPEN UNTIL..." and the anticipation is mounting everyday.  But, what I do know about this little person is that he or she will be a perfect blend of each and every person I love dearly.  The first time I hold this baby in my arms will be like opening a fresh new journal and writing, "Once Upon a Time. . .  .".  The story will unwind for years to come and I will want to read every single word.
    I have no idea how many more Thanksgiving Day Blessings my Daddy will give, he may even pray over my empty vessel before he's gone. Thankfully I don't know how the story ends.  All I can do, is live, love and cherish those who are coming and those who are going.  Then, in my still, quiet hours, I will be able to pull out those mentally illustrated journals to read, and reread the lives of those whom I love so dearly.  It is then, I will be truly thankful that I took the time to learn them well.