So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. One of the few days of the year that is considered a holiday where just about everyone closes their doors for atleast a few hours and many get a long four day weekend intended to spend time with family. One of the few holidays that is NOT BEEN COMMERCIALIZED. Heck, one could say that it might even be overlooked compared to some other holidays.
I am no history buff but I believe what I remembered back from the 4th grade is it had something to do with the pilgrims (plymouth colonists as they were also known) sharing thanks with some of their Indian friends for surviving their long journey to the New World back in 1621. And they had a feast. I also think it became a American Holiday during President's Lincoln's tenure. Although, Franklin Roosevelt tried hard to bring it to the economic forefront and tie it to the all mighty dollar by moving it up a week to allow for more CHRISTMAS shopping... and we do HAVE BLACK FRIDAY, most, however, still hold to the old tradition of just spending time with family and to give thanks. This is where my post is heading.
As a child, I must confess, Christmas was my ALL time favorite holiday. I mean GIFTS baby. We made cookies! And we had a tradition in my house, we had chinese for Christmas Eve dinner, sang christmas carols, watched A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol and got to open ONE gift before we went to bed. We always left cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Christmas morning was always about opening gifts, a excellent breakfast and then to the stockings. It is one tradition in my family, 34 years that is still STRONG and has well, to my recollection never wavered. I still end up at my parents Christmas Eve and wake up where I was brough up Christmas morning with my boys!! Okay, sorry, cause I really hate it when people rush Christmas and we hadn't had Thanksgiving and here I am doing it. Oh well, I digress.
As I have gotten older it hasn't changed... December 25th is still my favorite holiday but Thanksgiving is a close second... maybe even 1A. I mean this is the only holiday where people don't worry about bringing anything but themselves. You are expected to just enjoy yourself, enjoy the company, eat as much as you want and not feel guilty if you fall asleep. And if your like my family, football is on. You don't have to watch it but it's there...
As a youngster we always went to my Nana's and Papa's because that is where everyone gathered. I mean if it was Thanksgiving then you were there, that simple. It was like that until my grandmother passed away. I miss that... don't get me wrong, I still see family and we still have a good time, it's just not the same. This year, it will be just my wife and my boys... well, we might be at my parents but it depends on a few things.
Bottom line. Thanksgiving is a day to just spend time with your family... so everyone enjoy your day off, your family and be glad for all those you are able to share it with.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
R.I.P
So Saturday was a rainy, sad, day.
I attended a comittal service for my sister-in-law Kaite who passed in January at the very young age of 30. You know, I just don't get these things. When I was younger, I was dead set against going to any funeral. I missed my Grandfathers. I was 11. I was like, how can anyone tell me this is how it is, people die. They would say, "He is in good hands with God. It will be okay." Yeah, well, God is doing a real sucky job of making me feel better right now. For years, I was like how can God take away the people that I love.
As I got older, in my late teens and early 20's I started to accept that people do die and it's going to happen to everyone someday. Although, doesn't mean I am any more okay with it then I was when I was 11. I remember being asked by my grandmother to attend my uncle Bud's funeral. So, I did. I swallowed my selfish opinions and feelings for her. And boy, did I HATE every minute of it!! People would say, you should go to these things out of respect for the ones who are mourning. Truth be told, I have a harder time than anyone will ever know with seeing someone after they pass. I always prefer to remember them laughing and smiling. And unfortunately, seeing them after they pass hangs with me and I cannot ever get that image out of my head and for me, it's like a nightmare that just won't go away.
My Grandmother on my Mom's side was the first ever wake I ever went too, I was 26... and the first time where I actually could not control my feelings. I would sit there and just start crying. I would try so hard to hold back but I physically couldn't it. I was a pallbearer for her funeral and when I put my hand on the casket, I felt as if she was holding my hand. I really cannot explain it... I miss her terribly. And you know, I always want to talk about her when I am with family but I don't.
Okay, this was not intended to be a blog about every funeral I went too... but it kind of just happened. I just don't get it. At the commital service, they asked that we get a rock they were passing around and to write something on it that reminded us of her... um, that just seemed selfish to me. How does writing on a rock that you thought she was fun or a good friend or sister do anything for her. Maybe it does something for us but not her. My rock said, "Your Burdens are no more. R.I.P"
Yeah, I have been told a million times that I am selfish for thinking what I do and I need to show respect and it's part of life.
You know what... if you think that of me then you don't know me very well. I treasure my family and friends more than I could ever possibly explain to someone.
Katie, I love you and I miss you!!
I attended a comittal service for my sister-in-law Kaite who passed in January at the very young age of 30. You know, I just don't get these things. When I was younger, I was dead set against going to any funeral. I missed my Grandfathers. I was 11. I was like, how can anyone tell me this is how it is, people die. They would say, "He is in good hands with God. It will be okay." Yeah, well, God is doing a real sucky job of making me feel better right now. For years, I was like how can God take away the people that I love.
As I got older, in my late teens and early 20's I started to accept that people do die and it's going to happen to everyone someday. Although, doesn't mean I am any more okay with it then I was when I was 11. I remember being asked by my grandmother to attend my uncle Bud's funeral. So, I did. I swallowed my selfish opinions and feelings for her. And boy, did I HATE every minute of it!! People would say, you should go to these things out of respect for the ones who are mourning. Truth be told, I have a harder time than anyone will ever know with seeing someone after they pass. I always prefer to remember them laughing and smiling. And unfortunately, seeing them after they pass hangs with me and I cannot ever get that image out of my head and for me, it's like a nightmare that just won't go away.
My Grandmother on my Mom's side was the first ever wake I ever went too, I was 26... and the first time where I actually could not control my feelings. I would sit there and just start crying. I would try so hard to hold back but I physically couldn't it. I was a pallbearer for her funeral and when I put my hand on the casket, I felt as if she was holding my hand. I really cannot explain it... I miss her terribly. And you know, I always want to talk about her when I am with family but I don't.
Okay, this was not intended to be a blog about every funeral I went too... but it kind of just happened. I just don't get it. At the commital service, they asked that we get a rock they were passing around and to write something on it that reminded us of her... um, that just seemed selfish to me. How does writing on a rock that you thought she was fun or a good friend or sister do anything for her. Maybe it does something for us but not her. My rock said, "Your Burdens are no more. R.I.P"
Yeah, I have been told a million times that I am selfish for thinking what I do and I need to show respect and it's part of life.
You know what... if you think that of me then you don't know me very well. I treasure my family and friends more than I could ever possibly explain to someone.
Katie, I love you and I miss you!!
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