I have some friends who very recently lost their parents and I want to share this story to bring some comfort to them or anyone, really. My mom died ten years ago and my dad died five years ago. I miss them every single day. My daughter asked me what Poppy’s voice sounded like. With tears in my eyes, I told her I would pull out an old video and let her hear my dad’s voice. That promise has put him and my mom heavily on my mind as I think back and remember fondly many, many happy Thanksgivings I shared with them.
My dad was very handy and loved to putz around with tools and fix things. Since he died, whenever I go into my garage and cannot find what I am looking for, I silently ask my dad to help me find the item and every single time I have done that, within minutes I have found what I am searching for. It has happened every.single.time.
Just now, I was getting set to brine the turkey for tomorrow’s family gathering. I got out the turkey and then went to the pots I have in my kitchen, only to realize that the turkey will not fit in any of them. Minor moment of panic until I remember that I have a larger pot that we only use for camping in the garage that I actually use to brine the turkey. Phew!
So I go out into the garage only to realize I forgot I really need that pot once every Thanksgiving Eve and I gave it away in our church yard sale this summer. Panic starts to rise again. So I stopped, said a silent prayer, and asked my dad to help me. Then I remembered I have my parents’ crab-steaming pot (we are from Maryland, which if you know about Maryland and crabs, you will understand). I climb up into the loft, go straight to the pot, bring it in the kitchen, and the turkey fits in there perfectly with room to spare. This happens every time I ask my dad for help. Our loved ones are always with us. We are never really separated, only there is a thin veil when they die that we can no longer see through.
I hope everyone has a very thankful and joyous Thanksgiving. I know I will as I surround myself with my family and create more wonderful memories for my kids.
