Early Thanksgiving

We're celebrating Thanksgiving on Wednesday due to some out of town ventures by family, and hunting. It will be good, but a reminder of my family is all gone, and all I will have to celebrate with them are memories. For those that have family still around, savor the day, and never forget every Thanksgiving may be one of their last. 

Composites

We had a cold front yesterday evening. This morning revealed a perfect fall morning, with the temperature in the forties.

As I walked to my truck, Thanksgiving crossed my mind. We're planning on having it at the relatives, with the usual feast. We've had it there before, so I know it will be a special day.

My thoughts wandered to Thanksgiving over the years. The memories are many: chilly days, azure skies with mare's tail clouds, the aromas of Thanksgiving meals, and the people I shared the days with.

Things are different, yet the same. So many in the family are now gone, but there are always new relatives to share the day. That's what makes Thanksgiving special, and leads to the excitement while waiting for the day.

For all that read here, I hope your Thanksgiving Day is one of your best.

It's Christmas

Years ago, the days preceding Christmas day were bitter from an Arctic front. The cold led to temperatures in the teens in the morning, with afternoons right below freezing.

The days were beautiful, with a pale sun and azure skies. Sunsets brought a brilliant orange that quickly followed the sun below the horizon. Other than the cold, the days were those that stamp memories forever.

Christmas day was the day the temperature finally rose above freezing. It was a day of reckoning for many, since the efforts to prevent freezing water pipes were futile during the long cold. Efforts to just drip water were futile, since the water pressure dropped, and the pipes eventually froze.

I had a relative that prepared their dinner, everyone was seated for the feast, and the ceiling fell onto the table. The dinner was ruined, and there was nothing to do, until the appraised surmised the damage, and the repairs could begin.

This morning, I awoke to a temperature of 67. The heavy fog created ghostly tendrils in the stirring air, and the quiet was filled with the sound of dripping of water from the bare limbs of the trees. As I watched the day begin, I realized the air conditioner would probably run sometime during the day, and the mosquitoes will be fierce some in the rural areas.

In a way, a little colder air would be pleasant, but in another, this warmth is much more pleasant than the bitter cold so many have to face. It's what there is, and I'm blessed for what I have.

Merry Christmas to all that venture into this cubbyhole tucked behind the last row in the internet, and may God bless.

When Words Don't Work

I wrote last week about an impending passing. They were given 48 hours to live, but that was over a week ago. Their time is very near.

Words don't seem to work during these times. No matter how much you know of the experience, you can't quite find the words that fit the sorrow, loss, relief and emptiness that fills your emotions. You witness them one last time before they're taken away, and all you can think of is how alive they look; even as they lay without breathing.

We all pass, and someone may be there for the final moment...or not. It's part of life, but one of the hardest times of the experience.

For a Friend

After 40 Years

Last night was my high school reunion. There were lots of faces, names and even a tug on my heart that is still pulling.

The music leaned toward what I didn't listen to back then, and was too loud to hold a conversation, so I spent time outside; visiting with those too escaping and gathering memories like fallen fruit.

All in all, it was meant to be. I was pulled to the event and know I couldn't have avoided from attending if I wanted.

Still, I wish they would have played what caught my soul, gave me moments of silent appreciation, and were imprinted forever.

You Only Have Now

My father passed in 1989. Since then, every Father's Day, I only have memories and sorrow.

If you're father is still here, call, text or visit. You only have now and tomorrow may only bring memories.

They Won't Come This Christmas

Yeah, I know. Christmas is a time of happiness. That's why I'm writing this post. Christmas will never be the same.

My mother passed last summer. It was time. Life took everything she had and there was nothing left. She won't share this Christmas and it's a sobering thought.

So, Christmas is coming, but it will never be the same for me. There's too much now missing and the memories are full of people that I'll never see again during this life.

I'm sad, although the sadness is full of happy memories: Christmases where the wonder of lit trees, smiling faces, the smells of wonderful food and the conversations full of joy and cheer. There were many and my memories are full of these wonderful occasions.

Christmas is coming, but it will be only one day. Make it special, keep those you love close, and place the wonderful day into your heart forever. You'll eventually find only memories remain for many and those memories are yours to create and treasure.

George Jones Has Died

George Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, which is a small town I've worked in. He lived there, in Beaumont, Kountze and Vidor, which are three towns that are found in the southeast corner of Texas.

I was never a big bar hopper, so I never ran across George in any of the local taverns. I have friends that did; some even shot pool with George. He was well liked and notorious for the amount he drank. I never heard an unkind word about the man, although I did have a brother-in-law that would have had a reason.

My brother-in-law, Jim,  was helping clear some acreage for the Sam's Club. As they cleared what was some old growth, they found many fine oaks, and other hardwoods, which they cut for firewood. The cords were sold to anyone that happened by. The demand was high, so advertisement was unnecessary.

Jim was cutting up a red oak, when he noticed a motor home stop on the highway. Not paying much attention to the man that left the coach, he continued until the man walked up. When he turned, he found the man looked familiar. He realized who he was when the man stuck out his hand and introduced himself as George Jones.

George asked if the tree was red oak. When he found out it was, he placed an order for two cords and said he'd be back in a few days.

After a week, Jim decided George would never come back and sold the two cords of firewood to the next buyer that came by.

Jim would smile and shake his head when he told the story. At that time, George was developing the reputation as "No Show Jones", and it was a true description considering Jim's experience. Jim didn't mind. He liked the idea he met George Jones and said he was a helluva a nice guy.

Thanksgiving Thoughts

There's much to be thankful for, but time changes the event of Thanksgiving. Where the past brought huge family gatherings, the scattering of lives leaves less to attend and more moments to cherish. We are human and eventually pass on, which means our experiences eventually fade to obscurity and diminishing memories.

If you have family, spend some time with them, even if it's only a phone call. If not, spend time with friends. The short moments and opportunities to visit are limited and you can never take any for granted. If you are religious, thank God for you blessings and spend your time with those you care about as though you may never see them again.

Bless you all that visit my blog. I'm thankful for your time; it's a precious commodity and I'm blessed by your thoughts.