NORMALLY, I would look forward to this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The families gathering together, the great food, the fun stories, and a little pre-Christmas shopping. This year is quite a bit different. A normally happy, joyous holiday has a big black cloud hanging over it.
My sister, Lori, is not here to share in the holiday. She died 4/11. 7 months and 15 days ago--my view on life is forever changed.
These two upcoming holidays--Thanksgiving and Christmas were my sister's favorite holidays. Lori--being the matriarch of the family, would graciously host Thanksgiving for our family--the Wentworths; and her husband's family--the Krugers. Lori LOVED to cook and bake--she was a natural in the kitchen. That was her comfort zone. She and Mike ALWAYS served a "banquet" of food for the holidays. They knew how to make us feel welcome and very comfortable. We NEVER left their house hungry.
This year, that's all changed. Our first Thanksgiving without Lori. Big sis Melody, bless her heart, is trying to carry on in Lori's absence by hosting Thanksgiving at her house--which is nice, but not the same. I'll post alot more about the relationship between Lori and me in other posts, but for now--all I will say is, I still miss her so...
A nice diversion from Thanksgiving w/o sis, is my 25th class reunion on Fri p.m. I'm SO looking forward to this! Of the 50 Class of '83 graduates from Mason City Newman High School, we expect about 25 or so to attend. I can't wait to see who will be there. Great topic for an upcoming post...
OK--Thanksgiving on Thurs. Class reunion on Fri p.m. Saturday brings a bittersweet gathering/celebration for a friend. Sat p.m., I'll be attending a benefit for a great guy who I got to know through my husband. Mike Samuelson died tragically in June at the age of 41. Mike left behind a beautiful, kind wife, and two adorable young sons. A great group of Ogden friends planned a benefit to raise $ to establish an ISU ag business scholarship in Mike's name. What a fabulous tribute to a genuinely nice guy. A bittersweet celebration. I am SO looking forward to seeing all who come out to show their love and admiration for Mike and Leanne. I thought my sister's benefit in April was huge. $44,000 was raised on her behalf. I'm a guessing Mike's benefit will top that mark quite easily.
So--I guess I'll be feeling a mix of emotions this holiday weekend. Despite our family's grief over the loss of Lori this year, we still have alot to be thankful for. I am very good at hosting my own little pity party at times, but then I snap out of it, and realize I DO have ALOT to give thanks for--each and every day.
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4 comments:
First of all, welcome to the blogging world! It does become quite addictive eventually.
Second, I understand completely how you're feeling about Lori. While it's normal to be sad and miss her during this first holiday season, I think we all know that she would have wanted all of us to continue the good times anyways. We all have so much to be thankful, and I personally like to think I am very thankful for one more guardian angel up there somewhere!
Darn, I wanted to be commenter number 1.
As for the holidays, same here. They are going to be very, very rough this year. And probably every year.
Thanks a lot for making me cry! Damn you!
You were the best auction recorder I have ever seen! WAY to go TK!
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