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My parents have, and continue, to provide for my every need. From my earliest memories of walking hand in hand with my father, to recently being in the kitchen learning my mother's "tricks" for her dressing and pumpkin pies, I've grown to cherish every minute with them. There was a time when we weren't sure we'd get to have our cherished holidays together anymore, but God had different plans. Now, we value every call, every meal, and every conversation we have been granted. My brother and I have been given a great gift in our parents and I hope they know how much we love them.
Thanksgiving memories always include thinking of my grandparents, Lawrence and Goldie Gore. I was always close to them, namely because I was the only grandchild for 7 years (yes, I was spoiled by that side of the family...I'll gladly admit it) and the apple of their eyes. My grandmother would have a new dress made for me and my grandfather gave me my love of music and the outdoors. When we moved back to Oklahoma in 1972, I would spend weekends at their house. My grandmother taught me how to cook and can food, and my grandfather taught me how to fish. I was really good at catching "wood bass" which was his term for the tree branches the lures often found their way to. We always spent Thanksgiving at their house, with 1978 being the last time. My grandfather went to his Heavenly home the Monday after Thanksgiving in 1978. After that, we had our gatherings at our house. The holidays were a little less bright after that. But now they are spent remembering those no longer with us and missing aunts/uncles/cousins who now have families of their own to make their own memories with.
Ray and Avis Bendure had over 30 grandchildren to spread their love among. Most of my younger years were spent with them in the summer as we pipe lined, but we would spend Christmas Eve with the entire family after hastily making fast trips from Illinois to arrive on time. My grandfather had a nickname for me, JJ, and we still put up the small Christmas ornament he bought me nearly 50 years ago...which has miraculously made it through many moves. My grandmother loved to get me into a "debate" (really, she just loved to get me riled up and argue with her) until my parents had to tell her to stop. Between Grandpa Gore and Grandma Avis, I inherited their bright blue eyes. My grandfather had less than an 8th grade education and my grandmother had a less than ideal childhood, but they found their way to each other and created a large family who have gone on to do successful things.
Last but not least, I have been granted a fantastic brother and sister-in-law. There are 7 years difference between Robert and I, and that was a lot of fun during my teenage years, but we both know that if we need something all we have to do is call the other. In fact, we often have the ability to just know when we need to speak to each other. Robert supported me during the transplant and offered to stand by my decision whichever way it went. He comes when I need something that I just can't do. He's helped me fulfill some of my dreams by taking me to concerts and shows that I wouldn't be able to attend otherwise. Susan, has the same feelings toward family as we do. The care she showed for her father while he was ill and now as she checks on her mother and helps her brother with his school proves that Robert made the perfect mate choice.
Here's hoping that all of my friends and family take a moment to discover what they are thankful for during this weekend. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of the holiday rather than to slow down and just say thanks. It is good to stop the madness of Black Friday and jumping to the next holiday and take stock of what we should be grateful for....family, friends, a wonderful country, the men and women who constantly defend it, and everything that we have. As the song says, "give thanks with a grateful heart".
