This week is Thanksgiving, a good time to reflect on what matters most in life: family and friends. It is also a holiday that can conjure up feelings of sadness when you start thinking about people you miss.
The last time I was at my mom's house, I noticed a sealed envelope that was addressed to me at my Hammond home. I asked my mom who it was from and she said it was from my Grandma Taylor, who died August 8, 1981 from lung cancer. Back then, I was almost five years old and my sister was getting ready to turn one. In fact, my Grandma was buried on my sister's first birthday.
Thanksgiving card from my Grandma Taylor.
My mom found the card at my Grandma's house shortly after she died. At which point, my mom decided to hold on to it until I got older. As I got ready to open the envelope, my mom and I had no idea what to expect. (My Grandma would get cards ready in advance as to not forget a special occasion, and unfortunately this one never made it to the Post Office.) We were both excited to see what was inside the envelope, but also knew it would bring out some tears. As it turns out, it was a sweet Thanksgiving card.
My Grandma Taylor was the grandparent who I felt loved me the most. I was her first grandchild and she was always spoiling and doting on me. I had a "present drawer" at her house, and there was always a new trinket for me every time I would visit. Being that I was so young when she died, I have a hard time remembering what life was like when she was around. I do, however, remember the two of us spending hours cutting pictures out of catalogs and pasting them to construction paper. For some reason, that was an activity I loved.
I feel bad for my sister because I don't think she has much, if any, recollection of my Grandma Taylor, but at least my Grandma got to hold her and photos of the two exist. But worst of all, my cousin, Mandy, who was born a couple of years after my Grandma died has no such memories.
This situation is similar to what is going on today with my nephew and niece, Jack and Izzy, and my soon-to-be-born Lydia. The passing of Papa Pete last January will really hit home for all of us this Thanksgiving. While I am thankful that I had 10 great years of knowing him, I hate that Jack and Izzy got cheated out of spending more time with a grandfather who loved them so much. And poor Lydia will never know what a great man Papa was and how much he would have adored her as well. This is where Randy and I will rely on Jack to share his favorite Papa moments with Lydia.
The loss of my Grandma Taylor and Papa Pete (both who died entirely too young) is proof that life is unfair and a reminder of how important it is to be thankful for those who are still in our life ... not just on Thanksgiving but everyday. I love you Grandma and Papa!