Traditions

Our family is deep into traditions. My sister was so deep in them she was a "starched" follower of traditions. Every Thanksgiving she would bring all her paper's ads and as soon as the dinner was over she was pouring over all the ads for Black Friday shopping.

This was a tradition for her and her girls, every year they would wander out into the dark morning to find whatever bargains they could find. Just the mere mention of this event sparked a light in her eyes, and she would busily write down what store had what and how much it would be. I don't know if she ever got much of what she went after, but somehow I don't think it was really about the bargains. I think it was about spending time with her girls and spreading the excitement of all Christmas was for her. I envied the times they had since I never had any girls to "bond" with in that way. I went a few years, once by myself and once dragging my son along; and I don't think what my son and I felt was necessarily bonding!

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving with her in-laws, they graciously invited us to "crash" their holiday celebration. They celebrated early, then next week on Thanksgiving itself we will celebrate with my Mom and my brother-in-law. It will be a sober time for us and I am sure Kathy's name will be spoken some, but we will also remember her excitement and her smiles. My son's smiles remind me of her, his eyes light up just like his Aunt Kathy's did.

My Thankfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving I am saddened by the fact that my dear sister won't be with us this year. Her absence will be greatly felt and we will remember our last holiday with her, but we will also remember the thankfulness that we have felt for her profound influence on our lives.

She was my big sister and always tried to protect me from the bullies at school and in the world. She was the first to criticize me but also the first to support me if someone else criticized me. She would not hesitate to come to my defense if she thought someone was trying to best me. I will miss her, but I am forever thankful for the joy she brought into my life, the support she gave me with my son, Brody and for her influence in my spiritual life.

This Thanksgiving I am truly thankful for having a sister who knew the Lord, who wasn't afraid to stand up and say that she knew Him, and for not finding fault with me when I sometimes was not walking the path Christ wanted for me. She was an inspiration and a great mentor, and I will remember the heritage she has given us this Thanksgiving. Thank you Kathy.