If I thought last Wednesday was the best day ever (which is definitely may be in the Top 5), Thanksgiving ranks up there. What is it that makes us think so hard about the future that we worry and stress? I don’t know - if I had that answer I suppose I really WOULD be really enlightened. But I don’t know the answer, and I certainly don’t NOT worry about things. I seem to always think I won’t have enough time to do everything I want/need to do. Maybe it’s a past life thing. I also like to control factors, but the truth is, I intuitively KNEW it would be great to have Ben and Jihye Sung come for Thanksgiving. Dad plays violin, and Ben’s the Concertmaster - Jihye’s a concert pianist. Their friend Hrant is in town for the week, getting ready for a concert the three of them are in, so he came along, too. My worries? I hoped Ben and Hrant would have a good time. I know Jihye - we’ve hung out, laughed, bonded (so that’s something that’s IN my control). So there was one unknown. The other unknowns revolved around Kari and Erik being gone to their dad’s for the day, and Stevie going to lunch with his son in the afternoon, leaving me alone to clean, set up the table, wash the good dishes, and cook the food. I always think it’s going to take longer than it actually does (another lesson I maybe could learn).
We’d already had a golden day the day before (see previous blog posting), so we were energized still - that helped. From the moment our three guests arrived, I don’t think we stopped laughing for more than a few moments at a time. I even got them all to play a few rounds of “Link’s Crossbow Training” on the Wii. I thought because all of them were world class musicians, their concentration and dexterity might serve them well. I was right, and I have pictures to prove it.
Although I’m still tired today, okay, exhausted, this has been a fabulous week. Not even the prospect of my root canal in 38 1/2 hours (but who’s counting?) can dampen my mood. I think THIS is what we should focus on - the fun. Sure we do the work, the everyday stuff that keeps us alive, but it’s THIS that feeds my soul - being with great people, laughing, connecting. It warmed my heart that Peggy said she was sad they’d be missing our party. I’m sad they missed it, too, but again, hearing stories of friends who spent Thanksgiving alone, I’m reminded that really, it’s just another day like any other, but WE choose to make it special. We can pick another day, or choose not to celebrate it at all, or pick some NEW holidays to celebrate (I’m totally getting into the Day of the Dead and hope to have a full blown celebration next year). It’s all up to us. But for all of those years that I was alone, my kids at their dad’s, and no other invitations, I fully appreciate and am grateful for the times I DO get to be with my loved ones (yes, I said “loved ones"), and I’m grateful that I love my dear husband, and that we have been able not only to stay married, but stay happily married - we may be in the minority, I’m not sure. I’m thankful for my dad, and his great health, and his great heart. I’m grateful for my dear daughter, and how beautiful and strong, funnny and fabulous she is. I’m thankful for my dear oldest son, and his creativity and musical talent (okay, just because I said that about HIM doesn’t mean I don’t think that about HER and vice versa). I’m thankful for my dear youngest son, his sweetness, intelligence, creativity and maturity (okay, all of these apply to ALL of my fabulous children). I’m thankful for my best friends, my Crew, my Tribe. I just can’t imagine my life without them. I’m thankful for, well, on and on - you get the idea. I think thankfulness is one of the highest energies there is - try saying what you’re thankful for, and notice how your chest expands and you feel lighter. It’s a great feeling. I’m going to try to stay in that place as often as possible. It probably will be easier after Monday around 9:30AM or so. But still - best...thanksgiving...ever. With pictures to prove it.