Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year.
A family filled, beautiful holiday to celebrate thankfulness.
It is also a bittersweet day for us, as our second family milestone in our new lives without Grandpa Carl.
The first on what would have been his 80th birthday, was just a few weeks ago.
We want so much to have Grandpa right ther with us tomorrow on Thanksgiving table…sitting right at the head of the table like he has for the almost sixteen years that I have sat across from him.
If you have a loved one that you want to include, honor and cherish with your own families or friends this holiday, here is our family project underway today.
We are writing all of our favorite Grandpa Carl memories and reflections onto paper leaves, and hanging them from ribbons off of branches for a tree of life centerpiece.
The children’s leaves are so simple, yet so profoundly deep and meaningful.
"Loved to hang with us kids" says Lilly.
Boy – let me refocus my priorities immediately, so that is how I am described and remembered one day, please.
"I love the way you love me" says Parker.
Again – I am left speechless.
But of the dozens of thoughts, the one that really got me…is Mike’s.
"I miss you Pop".
These important, sweet messages of love are sometimes hard to squeeze into our everyday routines and hectic schedules.
So why wait to share them?
Grab some paper – scissors – and a pen.
Send the kids outside, and have them stick some branches into a vase.
Share your lives and your loves and your appreciations with eachother tomorrow.
Don’t wait.
Life is short.
