Happy Thanksgiving

Tonight I needed to pick up this laptop and write. So that is exactly what I intend to do. There is so much on my mind. 2020 has been a complete uphill climb. So this Thanksgiving is more than needed. It's a gentle to reminder that there is always something to be thankful for. Tonight I am most thankful for precious memories. Memories of Thanksgiving past. Memories of smells and hugs, love and laughter. Memories of family gathered near. Memories of my Mammaw and Pawpaws house. I can see and taste the food as I sit here and type this out. My mouth is watering and I am licking my lips just thinking about it. Mammaw always made the best homemade gravy. No one could out do her sweet tea and you best believe you can't touch her pimento cheese or christmas fudge. To this day, I still don't know her secret. We were each responsible for different food items each Thanksgiving. For example...I always knew Aunt Cindi would be responsible for the Mac and Cheese, Aunt Cheryl would make the mashed potatoes. Mom would always make potato salad and brocoli and rice casserole. Mammaw... the gravy and dressing. Sometimes Mom would make this too. Ohh how I longed for a plate of this food every year. It was something to look forward too. Nothing could compare to this Thanksgiving feast. Simply heaven in your mouth. Ummm smack your momma! This year I find myself longing for that food...I find myself clinging to memories and wondering if Thanksgiving will ever be the same without my grandparents. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just about the food. It was about spending time with my family...it was about tradition. I miss my Pawpaws hugs, even though he nearly beat my back to death. I miss his crazy stories and his sweet snort when he laughed. I miss his smart wit and character. I miss how he called me Malley. I miss my Mammaw and her always wanting me to give her back rubs. "Not too hard now", I can hear her say. I miss how her eyes would cut accross the room if someone got out of line. I miss the laughter and football games outside on warm Thanksgiving Days. It really is the little things that you miss the most. Don't take the days ahead for granted. Don't take your loved one for granted. Be there every chance you can, for one day, all you will have are memories. So take the stupid pictures, make those phone calls and never pass up an opportunity to visit. TRUST ME...You're going to miss every ounce of it.