It's been quite a while since I've written, but today I'm inspired to share my happiness, because - well, you know how you always hear those nightmarish stories about families who come together once a year for a holiday and it's pure hell on everyone? Not this year; no walking on egg shells, no worrying about certain topics of conversation, no negativity. Our Thanksgiving, along with the days leading up to it and the days following it, were pure heaven.
My brother, who hails from Texas, arrived first, after a long and successful journey through Southern Illinois in search of ancestral information. Not only was he proud of his accomplishments, but so were my sister and I.
A few days later, my cousin and her husband and their granddaughter arrived from Colorado and Texas. The first thing we did upon their arrival was to take them to see our beautiful sunset and beaches.
The next day was Thanksgiving, and we all met at my sister's home in Titusville. What a grand day! We all talked about fun and funny things that had happened at past holiday celebrations - like the time Mother took the turkey out of the oven and set it on the oven door, which promptly broke, sending the turkey sliding across the kitchen floor! And the time I forgot to include sugar in my homemade pumpkin pie, and everyone tried to hide their slice of pie with oodles of whipped cream!
Since she doesn't cook, my sister was so nervous about hosting, but everything was great - the turkey was moist, the sides were delicious, the bread bar was divine, and the desserts were gobbled up. Everyone played a role in the food preparation. We all celebrated my brother's successful sojourn through the hills of Southern Illinois, we toasted to the love of family, and we talked about future gatherings.
A cousin photo bomb. lol
This is a day I won't soon forget -- Simple family fun.
The next day was also a family celebration. After my son and his wife arrived, we held the 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Throw Down; a new tradition that we got turned on to last year.
Fun, fun, fun!
(Mine is F)
Many people don't know this, but I have a hot line direct to Santa. So, when he learned my son and his wife were joining us for the day, he came for a visit. It was so much fun to have our pictures taken and celebrate the start of the holiday season with Santa.
That evening, we all poured into our cars and paid a visit to our local botanical gardens that, for the first time, was lit up with Christmas lights.
The next day we spent the morning at the beach, then made the trek to Okeechobee where we enjoyed an airboat ride through the swamp in search of alligators. Unfortunately there weren't any to be seen at that late hour, so our tour guide made the best of it with a very fast ride.
All in all, it was a great way to spend the week - with much-loved family.
It has been proven that there are countless benefits associated with being grateful. Among them is that gratitude has been linked to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Giving thanks is one of the most powerful ways there is to increase your well-being.
I'm so grateful to have had these days with my brother. As we age, we change and we learn new things about one another. He inspires me to always do and be my best. My brother and sister are as close to me as my hands and feet; I never want that to change.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
Albert Schweitzer
I love and miss you Mom and Dad.
