This has been quite a year for The Spindle Ranch. Lots of family activities, and always more, and more that we are thankful for. This year will bring a bit of a smaller Thanksgiving dinner at The Ranch, but that’s alright. This year this holiday will mark a change in the family dynamic. It will be the first Thanksgiving that two of my kids (the boys to be exact) are gathering with their significant others and their families for the holiday. I am fine with this. I have always told all of my kids that every holiday and birthday celebration that we have gotten to share together over the years has been a blessing. We’re very lucky to have had so, so many celebrations and holidays together. I always knew the time would come when the kids would be sharing their holidays, and now that time has arrived in full force.
Today instead of sharing with you ALL of the things I am thankful for this year I would just like to zero my focus in on one thing, or I should say one person. This is one of those years where I have been ever so thankful for my Mom’s great advice and counsel. My Mom lives with myself and Travel Man. She’s been staying with us since my Dad passed away in June of 2013.
My Mom has been on what I would call the biggest emotional roller-coaster of her life in the past year and a half. She’s been getting through her own grief, and she has also had to be in Illinois for a few months at a time to help my grandparents with their health issues. Everything going on in her world has kept her emotions in overdrive, and that’s an understatement. However, we do live together which has allowed us to have some great girl time together; watching our favorite TV dramas, trying out new recipes, teasing Travel Man when he’s home, and chasing granddaughter, Madison, around the house two days a week.
No matter what is going on in our house, or what she is dealing with long distance where my grandparents are concerned my Mom will always say to me, “You know you can talk to me anytime, and about anything.” I know this but I do not always listen, because I do not want to cause my Mom to have any additional stresses in her life. I will readily admit that there is no better feeling in the world than being able to share your thoughts with your Mumsie and get her loving, constructive advice in return. That is my Mom, that is who she is and what she does for me. My thankfulness for her wise words of wisdom know no bounds. I am forever grateful to be blessed with her presence in my world, and I know (being a Mom myself) that my Mom will always be there for me, always.
Happy Thanksgiving Day to all. May your world be as filled with the love of a caring family as mine is.
