Thanksgiving memories are measured like all memories – in their staying power. My minds retrieval system has grown a bit rusty over the years. I find writing kinda serves like myelin as it wraps words around feelings which are, by nature, fleeting. When I want to really remember a moment far into the future, my insurance policy is to write. Good.
Andrew didn’t make it home from Berlin this Thanksgiving but Miss and he connected over her smart phone and his. As we settled in after “the meal” she did some kinda video from all of us to him. Good. My Mom is almost 90, recently took a bad fall on her face, and yet managed to pound out 2 plus miles with Miss, Krits, the pups, and me. Evan got to have his Canes and read all kinda books in my library. Jordan, all sore from wrestling with Ryan, still organized “Cousin’s night out” and went out of his way to get his Grandma’s door. Very sweet. Krits talked Jayhawk basketball with me while we put in a 3P and 60 minute treadmill effort at Muirfield. She continues to be my number one sports fan, most likely to make me laugh, and bright bulb in each and every room she enters. And, she has the seetest cuddle bug of a little bear for a pup too…
Taylor had a root canal and never flinched. He enjoyed everything about Thanksgiving, hanging out with friends and family alike. His pups were too happy to hang with their brother and even cuddled in his bed like old times. We talked sports, majors, homework, and even some cars. It was a blessed time to be together and it’s about to be over, at least for now.
I just returned, you see, from taking Krits and Penny to their plane. They are now bound for home. Her room is empty and dishoveled. I want to leave it this way and imagine her return. Tay will be next to depart. He will roll outa here in less than an hour, point his car to the north and west, and head for his new home at IWU. I’ll find myself in his room this afternoon, close my eyes, and let my nose make some memories too. Evan and Mom will join for us Church, grab a bite of lunch, and then it’s Port Columbus for another tear filled goodbye. My mind always imagines “what if,” when it comes to these kinda moments with Mom.
The house will be quiet again. Jordan will be the only one left. He flies tomorrow. And, the good news is we fly with him. Yes, that’s right. We won’t simply return to our routine, come Monday. Monday, you see, Miss and I board a bird with our Bird, Jordan. We’ll fly away to Florida and hang with him and even make a memory with Missi’s brother Steve to boot. We won’t do anything particularly huge, we’ll mostly marry the mundane and find meaning in and around a meal, turn off technology and tune in to those still plugged in, and remain present. Somehow, the magic just kinda has a way of showing up when you and I least expect it. You just never know when a car convo with Krits, a couch convo with Tay, a walk with Mom, a simple jesture from Jor, or a question from Big E’s gonna grab your throat, sear your heart, and leave you wanting more.
Memories, you see, make us want more. Memories, the good ones, always leave us a bit saddened and joy filled simultaneously. So, today, find a hand to hold onto. Understand the cost. It’s gonna hurt, someday, when you gotta let ’em go. Hold on, anyway. Marry the mundane and remember the searing stuff comes when it’s least expected. Hang around enough, it’ll come.
Good…
BUILT TO LEAD 