It’s Thanksgiving Day. The Christmas lights are going up in town. My first holiday without Sandy. But through my heartbreak, I still give thanks for everything I’ve had with her over the past 17 years. Today is no different reallly than any other day… I’m thankful and filled with gratitude everyday… sadness mixed with amazement. To have had her in my life for so long is a blessing beyond words.
This was always a special holiday for us and our tradition was to go to Sandy’s parent’s home (and the one she grew up in) about an hour and a half away. Her brother and sister-in-law and nieces will be there. So I’m of course continuing that tradition and am on my way. It will be tough going alone, but I know Sandy will be with us, like she always is. And we’ll remember the Thanksgiving poems she would write every year and read at the table before we ate. They were always heartfelt and humorous, expressing thanks for each family member. Here’s the ending from last year’s poem, not long after her first surgery….
With thanks,
Dan
November 23rd, 2006 at 9:51 am I knew if I checked the blog today you would have written something down. May your time and efforts spent with being with friends and family help to get you throught some of these firsts. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers here and a few to Sandy.
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:22 pm Dan O’, you two are always close to my heart. And so are so many others that have been, and continue to be, part of your journey. I have not been good at keeping in touch with all of you special people, many of whom have embraced me in their extended families for many years, and those who so quickly opened their hearts to me in these more recent times. Please know that you are thought of often and memories of time spent together is treasured. The gifts of all of you give me pause daily to give thanks for the beauty, love, strength and spirit that each of you carry. For those of you that were privileged to be a part of Team Friends of Sandy, take a moment to check your e-mail. There you will find a special thank you from the LAF. And you too will shed tears of so many mixed emotions, but mostly those filled with love and thanksgiving. Sharing with all of you an attitude of gratitude which Sandy and Dan have been so instrumental in guiding me to replant and grow. Wishes for a very special Thanksgiving to all. With love and friendship, Patty
November 23rd, 2006 at 1:49 pm Hello Dan, Cameron, and family - Happy Thanksgiving to one and all- I just wanted to let you know that I am so thankful to be able to know you all - the love and kindness you so openly share with others even during the most difficult of times - Sandy is very proud of you both. DAN-I also remember You and Sandy strolling thur the crowds last Lightening Festival in town - Sharing your LOVE - Enjoying the people and music- Showing the world your special Love. As Always ,We are thinking of you and Thankful to call you Friends. God Bless - Mary Pat and Family
November 24th, 2006 at 6:31 am Hi Dan, So good to read your message about being thankful. Megan and I spent Thanksgiving together here in Kansas. I am thankful that she is doing great after her second surgery and will be her exuberant self in no time. This has been a wonderfull two weeks in Norton where her circle of many many friends have been welcoming and very helpful. I am leaving her in good hands as I get ready to return to the soggy Oregon coast today. We love you so much. M and M
November 25th, 2006 at 5:01 pm Hi Dan, I thought of you on Thanksgiving, knowing it would be a tough day for you. Thank you for continuing to share with all of us. The next holiday will be tough as well. I am not sure when or if they will ever get easy but know you are not alone and have so much love coming your way from friends and family. Take care, Leslie
November 25th, 2006 at 9:01 pm Dan, Always a pleasure to read your blog, man. God bless and happy holidays!
December 5th, 2006 at 9:58 pm Hi Dan, just thinking about you.