It's Thanksgiving, which means...it is time to be thankful.  I was thinking about being thankful this morning as I drank my coffee and thought about what lies ahead for us today.  What does it mean to be thankful?  For me, that definition has begun to change over the last few years. 

I used to be thankful for the kind of stuff that we're all thankful for:  family, health, blessings, the fact that I went on an awesome vacation, etc.  But as I have begun to grow older, I realize that there are more important things to be thankful for.  Take, for example, my parents.

Today will be the first Thanksgiving we have ever had without mom at the table.  As many of you know, my mom has Alzheimer's disease and is now in a Memory Unit.  My dad lives just a mile or so away and goes to see her daily.  To say that the move to Tulsa from Little Rock and dealing with the placement of mom in the Memory Unit was difficult on both of them would be an understatement.

My Mom and DadDad will spend most of today with mom.  He'll sit with her in her room and talk with her.  They'll watch tv and walk around the facility and eat lunch.  Then he'll come to my sister's house and eat with us.  We'll visit mom throughout the day in small groups.  She can't handle large groups of people - even family is too overwhelming in large numbers.

While I am sad that mom won't be with us, I am also thankful that mom is in a safe place.  And I am thankful for a dad who has shown remarkable love, care and attentiveness to her every need.  He won't say it, but I can see that dealing with this situation is very hard on my dad.  And I feel so very sorry for him.  But today he has committed himself to mom first and for that I am thankful. He is a great example to me of what love does and how love acts.

I am thankful also for my mom.  While she can no longer remember many things from yesteryear, she was a great mom when I was a kid.  She told me more than once that she had no idea how to raise kids.  She just did the best she could.  And she did great!  She dragged me to church.  She gave me the best of everything she could.  She always loved me.  Always supported me.  Always spoiled me and believed in me.  She is a great mom.

Today I intend to tell both mom and dad that I am thankful for them and that I love them.  They have done so much for me in my life and they have an endearing love that is making it possible to walk through a tough situation together.  Hand in hand.  Heart in heart.  Day by day.

Thank you Lord for a great mom and dad!

Originally Posted at: My Owasso Home

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Bob Haywood
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11 Comments on On This Thanksgiving I am Thankful for my Mom and Dad

NOV
25
2010
759,126 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

My Mom and Dad are both gone and believe me to be sitting around the tabkle with them today would be the best blessing I ever had. You are right . Have a good holiday
12:06pm • #1
1,117,073 Points 117 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bob - I understand. Our family went thur a similiar situation but it was my Dad that lost his memeory.  Mom was always the rock of him and the whole family and when she passed over it was a big whole in our hearts.  But - on a postive and thankful note - like you - I am so grateful to have had the parents I had.  Enjoy your day and all the blessings is will bring!
12:42pm • #2
590,125 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

how heart warming Bob I have been in your shoes with my own Dad.  They get confused and it is hard on us as the kids because we witness that they have lost a piece of themselves and the memories.

  Be thankful also( which I know you are)  that your Mom and Dad are still alive and you can see them daily if you wish and remember all the wonderful Thanksgiving pasts.

Wishing you a great visit later today when you do pay Mom a Thanksgiving greeting!
12:44pm • #3
1,338,054 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bob, There is no question that Mom and Dad are very proud! They did a fantastic job raising you. Enjoy, you have lot to be thankful for.

Margaret
1:39pm • #4
725,730 Points 63 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Bob... what a beautifully written post and a great tribute to your parents!  I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
2:11pm • #5
445,540 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bob - the best gift that parents can give children is bringing them up in a house full of love and harmony.  Sounds like you've been blessed with a super mom and dad.  What a lovely tribute from you to them.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
3:36pm • #6
484,084 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Bob - this was a very moving post, I have to admit you made me cry. My parents passed away in 2004, six months apart ... Cancer and Parkinsons. You are right, as we get older it is our family that matters most, nothing else comes close!
8:40pm • #7
761,637 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a wonderful post Bob.  I lost my Father last  year so this too was a poignant Thanksgiving.  Thank you for sharing this story.  Many blessings.
11:47pm • #8
NOV
26
2010
447,803 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow Bob, I hope your dad gets to read this at some point, he will be so proud.
12:29am • #9
119,293 Points 2 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

A very honorable thing to be thankful for indeed.  Having just lost my father a couple of months ago, this post really spoke to me.  Not all of us enjoyed the blessings of having caring and nurturing parents growing up.  I did and I wouldn't be the person I am today without them.  That is something I am truly thankfully for.
2:01am • #10
1,227,437 Points 79 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good morning Bob,

My mom and dad are both deceased as well as Gene's parents. I know I always stop to relieve some great Thanksgivings growing up..good memories as we carry on many of the same traditions we learned. It makes me pause and realize some day Gene and I will no longer be around for these holidays but I'm happy to see the traditions live on. I hope your dad reads your blog and understands how proud you are of him for being so loving and committed to his partner in life. Blessings to you and your family.
8:24am • #11


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