This year we were at my daughter Sara’s home for Thanksgiving.

 All three of her children were there. Her daughter Jatara and John, their 4 daughters, all dressed alike in their pink outfits. Her oldest son Jason and his girlfriend Samanatha. Sara’s youngest son Sheldon.

Our son Matt, his wife Hannah and their 2 grown children Colby and Gabby.

Autumn’s husband Chris, her daughter Kaci (who has about 10 weeks until she gives birth to my 5^th great granddaughter). That will make 5 under 5. Little kids make the holidays just a little more special.

This year we as usual went around the table and said what we were thankful for. I used to ask for a bit more originality as each would say “I am thankful for family.” But this year each of us knew that (I am thankful for my family)was exactly what they were thankful for. This year I asked each person to tell us about their jobs if they were employed. So, everyone shared what they actually did for 8 – 10 hrs a day, as well as something special they did this year. It was very interesting to hear the answers. I think this will be added to our thanksgiving tradition. It was better than just knowing where each one worked.

Autumn did not attend this year. She said the smell of food and the crowd is more than she can take. She said she wasn’t up for company. My reply was I am not company, I am her mother. I went for a short while, we held each other tight, each shedding tears in silence. She spent a couple days in the hospital this week with radiation sickness. She has lost 11 lbs. in the past 2 weeks. Tests show the cancer has now metastasized to the colon. We see oncologist on Dec 6, tentative plan will be to begin another maintenance chemo. She said this morning that she will never again have radiation.

My first baby girl Margaret Susan was full term and looked as normal and healthy as any baby could @ 8# 2.5oz.  But she suffered with breathing issues from the beginning. In today’s world they would have detected that before birth. Due to the continuous need of oxygen, I was unable to hold her. Eight days later she passed away.

 So, 5 years later when they placed Autumn Joy, the little baby with the BIG blue eyes in my arms, I somehow felt a little bit more whole. Autumn was the daughter I got to hold in my arms and bring home from the hospital. I was so thankful.

Two years earlier 50 years ago today (November 27^th, 1973) They placed our first, and only son (Matthew James) into my arms. I sat in my hospital bed and sang the song by the Carpenters I’m on the top of the World.

I was quite nervous every time he made a sound that I deemed to be unusual. I was quite used to baby noises. I had 12 younger siblings. I think I relaxed a little bit after he passed the 8-day mark. My sister next younger than me Doris Mae passed away, like Margaret at 8 days old. So, 9 days was a milestone in my mind.

Today that little boy turned 50. He said “Some of his teachers used to say. “Matthew nobody is going to pay you to sit and stare out the window all day.” He laughs at that now, he is a semi driver and gets paid quite well for doing exactly that, staring out the windshield.😊. I am so grateful. He is a great son and takes good care of his mom.

Matt had colic REALLY BAD, Autumn was allergic to so much stuff.

Then there is my baby girl Sara. She could have been a poster child baby (for her mother, not so much for others.) 😊 She was a great nurser, always laughing. She could make everything fun. Matt was so glad that she loved it outside, because Autumn would sooner be inside. Autumn now lives on her front porch. Still close to home, but outside.

A friend of mine said even at age 46, Sara is still like a party in a box. 😊 She is always helping someone with something. A smile is her default setting. It is never too far, or too late in the day for Sara to show up if you need her. I am grateful for her. Her high energy sometimes makes me tired 😊, but she is my breath of fresh air.

It is nice to have adult kids that I also consider friends. I couldn’t be any prouder of each of their characters. They never hesitate when someone needs help.

• Our oldest grandson Kyle (Autumn’s son) Age 27 was born while his dad was in the Marines in North Carolina. I held him and sang (Could I have this dance for the rest of my life). By Anne Murray. On his 18^th birthday I asked him the same thing and he said (“Sure grandma”) and we danced to it again.

• Our first granddaughter Jatara (Sara’s daughter) Age 25 was born 28 yrs. to the day after Margaret went home to be with Jesus. It made my heart smile. Every year I have something to smile about on that day. Jatara has 4 little girls. Jim had only brothers, and there were 10 girls and 10 boys in my family. Not sure what any of that has to do with her odds for a boy. 😊 She is a great Mom.

• Randi Joy, (Autumn’s daughter) also age 25. Randi lives in Florida and grandma has prayed for her through 2 hurricanes. I said during one of them grandma will be praying for you. To which her response was “I would expect nothing else grandma”.

• Colby James Bennett (Matthew’s son) age 23. The only grandchild that will carry on the Bennett name. One of our 2 millennial babies. July 21,2000.

• Jason Walls (Sara’s oldest son) age 23. The second millennial baby November 28, 2000. Happy Birthday tomorrow.

 SIDE NOTE   Matt, his wife Hannah, Autumn’s husband Chris, and grandson Jason all have birthdays in Thanksgiving week.

• Gabby (Matt’s daughter) age 21. Gabrielle Hope Ann was born on Autumn’s 27^th birthday. I was in the hospital at the time she was due. I told them if she was born while I was still, there they had to name her after me. I was, and they did. August 19, 2002. 😊

• Kaci (Autumn’s youngest daughter) age 20. Kaci will be giving birth to Autumn’s first grandchild in early February. That will be my 5^th great granddaughter.

• Sheldon James (Sara’s youngest) age 19. Our youngest grandchild. My tech advisor. He helped me set up my Blog.  

I guess I will have to agree, the thing I am the most Thankful for (besides Jesus) is my Family.

Thank you for visiting my Thanksgiving table.

Blessings! Thanks for reading!

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As a Pastor I have been ask may times. How do I know God’s will for my life.

A PLACE TO BEGIN!

1 Thessalonians 5:18  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  JUST BE GREATFUL