Giving Thanks . . . . .

My youngest son Patrick asked me a question the other day. He said Mom, how do you feel now that all your children are married. I told him, I felt good, really good, and the more I think about it, it is because I am at peace with the choice of spouses that my children have made. I dearly love Holly, Jeff, Adam and Katie. I know I am not their Mom but I feel like I am.

Holly is very thoughtful, she never misses a thing that would make me happy and is always coming up with ideas for gifts and just plain ways to take note of my feelings. She is crazy about my son Jason which is a really good thing. She cooks all his favorite foods which keeps him running marathons quite often. She is not afraid to get in there and try whatever new sport or adventure they find as a family. She is a wonderful mother to my only grandson and life is just a ball for him, in large part because Holly makes it so much fun for him. Jason is one lucky fellow to have found Holly for his wife.

Jeff is a gentleman, would never let me carry a suitcase or step through a door before me, and what a dishwasher and vacuumer he is, always ready to help clean up quickly at a family party. He has even cleaned my bathrooms. He does all this without being asked. Jeff loves football so he adds another dimension to our family gatherings with his enthusiasm over football or whatever sport may be on the tube. He is a great dad to his three little daughters. They are so excited when he comes home from work every day. He often comes in the door with a bouquet of flowers in his arms for Megan. Their relationship grew while they were an ocean apart but I am so glad it did. Megan is truly blessed to have Jeff.

Adam is helpful in every situation, jumping up to give my husband help with whatever he needs done. He is kind and so funny that he is always finding ways to make me laugh knowing just how to poke at me. His little soon to be one year old daughter smiles at the sound of his voice. He was a natural expert dad from day one and Annabelle is a delight as a result. He has a dangerous job and lays his life on the line every day so I always tuck an extra prayer of safety over him. Courtney and he had a long dating relationship before they were married but they held on to their commitment through distance. I know that Courtney is truly blessed to have Adam.

Katie is sweet and easy to be around, always cooking up a storm and bestowing gifts of baked goods on us for no particular reason, just that she is thoughtful that way. She and I have known each other for years but this past summer we had a special bonding time. I got to teach her some sewing, and she taught me some cooking (I always ask her questions). Katie and Patrick had some ups and downs on their way to where they are now (guess we all do) but out of it all I see growth, maturity and their love in the way they treat each other, thinking of the other first. It is a joy to watch them with their 3 week old daughter. Patrick is a lucky feller to have Katie.

I am sure I missed a lot of lovely things that I could have said about each one but I am going to tuck those in my heart and keep them for myself, how's that for selfish on Thanksgiving Day?? So this year I am thankful for family once more but I thank God for the bonus sons and daughters that we have! Amen, Praise the Lord!