lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
As I begin the annual ritual of cooking for 24 hours so that what's left of my family can gather together, be merry, and eat like fools, I find myself filled with conflicting emotions.
As I pull out my mother's recipe cards for a few family treats, I find myself happy about all of the history and memories connected with this tireless ritual, and saddened by the loss of my Mom and Dad at a pretty young age (1 yr apart).
And then an hour later I feel like a little kid as I bake my Mom's family recipe 'war cake' because all the spices made the house smell so yummy... While the cake is not the best I ever had, it's a tradition that no one in the family wants to break, and yet I am usually stuck with most of it
I am also saddened by the loss of one of my best friends to AIDs oh so long ago... and laughing at the memories I have of him while cooking (we often had little cookoffs, and more often than not, he won or found a way to jerk my chain for years over something).. And so I text his other close friends just so we can laugh over a fond holiday memory with him.
And then I look over at the hall table, and there lies the box containing the ashes of my beloved dog Pebbles, who at age 16 1/2, developed issues we could no longer keep her comfortable with, and had to put her to sleep the day before Sandy hit. I am filled with sadness by her loss, and then look at a picture of her in her prime that's on my fridge and realize.....
I would not trade the sadness for anything, because before that sadness, came the endless stream of wonderful memories these important figures gave me.
So today I,l as I begin my cooking, I am truly thankful that I was allowed to have so many wonderful people and pets enrich my life - they have made me who I am today, and I cherish every moment I had with them.
My list of losses is endless. I have also lost 5 other special pets in the last 5 yrs and many more family members. Not looking for sympathy - it's just that I see reminders of them all everywhere I look.
I am also thankful for all the wonderful people and pets still in my life, and maybe this epitome will make me savor the moments in the days ahead. I am fortunate to have my health back going on 8 years now, and thankful that Sandy did not take the roof over my head.
If you've read this far, thank you for indulging me, and being the wonderul Lyme community and family you are. Happy Thanksgiving all.
So today, what are you thankful for?
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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surprise
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34987
posted
That was a lovely post- I'm sorry for your losses, and given hope with your recovery. Thank you.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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