Thanksgiving

 Our prophet encouraged us to give thanks by posting to social media for a few days before Thanksgiving. How did he know I needed to feel and express gratitude after such a trying time? No surprise there. I told others my gratitude for service, my parents, my health, helpful ways to de-stress, and my family.

We took a couple days to get to Virginia this time. We were glad to see Kira and David and all the furies that live with them (both indoors and out). Oma and Opa and his sister, our Aunt Winnie, joined us too. Loved the way everyone pitched in to help with all the meals. Loved talking and just being with others. Loved getting out to walk and see Natural Bridge and the Roanoke Star again (got a picture WITH the star this time, better to trust family rather than complete strangers to take a good picture). 

Happily, this is the week Jolene told me mom was making humongous gains in her abilities.  They both said, I had done the hardest part--not to brag but I did start using ibuprofen again!  Unfortunately, this is also the time that mom started refusing the idea to have help come in.  Very frustrating but hard for mom to judge too. Also at this time, Barbara, my cousin, got in touch with me and let us know that my Uncle Rick, who has been more of a father figure in my life, was moved to ICU and that no more could be done in his battle with stomach cancer. He died Thanksgiving evening. I cried quietly and the family I was with were very comforting. I still enjoyed Thanksgiving. Life is just hard sometimes, you know.

Loved this trip. It was perfect. Kira and David are so genuine and the best hosts. It was the right amount of distraction, rest, and family. I felt renewed returning to home and the upcoming Christmas holiday.

This is my favorite picture from Thanksgiving. Kira is presenting her pumpkin roll on her mother's china and David is chasing his nephew through the busy kitchen!

My loving Uncle Rick

Following is the tribute I left for his family after his passing:

What can I say about Uncle Rick?! As a kid, he was fun to be around and do things with when our family would visit but he let you know when you got on his nerves--by pressing one of your nerves in your shoulder neck area! Instant attention-getter!

In my youth and young adult years he gave me his time and wisdom. I loved visiting him and Aunt Lacey and the cousins that were still home when I'd come visit on the weekends. He was really good at listening and he gave sound advice. I always felt very loved by him. In fact, I can easily say he was the positive male influence in my life until my sweet husband came along.

As a married adult, he was just great to spend time with the few chances I got. He appreciated my quirks and sense of humor. I loved him for his "dad jokes" and we both loved and talked about genealogy. He kindly accepted calls for quick input for the occasional kid that was sick. He's the kind of uncle, that even though he felt bad, especially in the last year, he took time to write to my son who was newly diagnosed with dyslexia, sharing his own experiences with the disorder and offering what worked for him and providing hope.

For an imperfect human being, he sure got a lot right! I love him. I am already missing him. I know he was greeted by many on the other side and I know I will see him again.

I love you, Aunt Lacey and my wonderful cousins!  Thank you for sharing Uncle Rick with me.