Since my dad’s passing I have been the one to make the Thanksgiving Day feast. Usually we have a large crowd with all our kids and grandkids so it is done on paper plates and plastic silver ware since I usually spend a couple of days baking and cooking. This year however we had a very small group, just ten of us scheduled and Benjamin being the only grandchild in attendance. I was really looking forward to the quiet dinner and was excited at the anticipation that I was going to be able to use my fine china (a legacy left by my beloved grandmother). Then, at the last minute, literally 5 minutes before my daughter and her husband, Shannon and Matt, were due to leave their home for the hour+ long drive to our place, Benjamin showed signs of being sick and they ended up in the ER room where he was diagnosed with a bacterial sinus infection! So, they were the beloved family members conspicuously absent. Then there were eight. I have an 89 year old neighbor whom we invited, but bowed out because some of her extended family were coming to take her out. That event ended early and she was able to join us, at least for company if not for a very little plate of food, then there were nine ~ she turned out to be our unexpected guest! The food is usually the same each year, including the green bean casserole! The rest of the day was uneventful, however warming the heart. Football on in the background, wonderful smells, coffee, pies galore and a wonderful conversation with my “new” uncle (my step-father’s brother)! While I will always think of and miss my dad terribly on Thanksgiving, God is faithful to continue to remind me that He is the one in control, and blessings continue to flow in many unexpected ways if I choose to leave my heart open to the possibilities! Oh, and Julie, your tree is beautiful!! Much love to you and yours ~ Taun