I am thankful for so many things … One of the greatest this year is another Thanksgiving with my dad and mom. We drove up last Tuesday after church and didn’t come home until close to the end of the debacle called the Clemson / USC game on Saturday.
As I reflect on the week, a few things occur to me:
1. My trips home consist of me working non-stop to get projects done at the house. Whenever I slow down, I crash. Nothing wrong with that, because I have to get this stuff done when I have time and time is at a premium.
2. Its kind of surreal to sit back and think about all that Dad and I did together around that house and now I am doing this stuff and he can’t help. Dad built this house. Literally. He only contracted a couple of things out and did 99% of the work himself. Mom, Donna, Elaine and I helped, but he did most of the work. To sit back and think about the things I am doing to the house now without him kind of stinks.
3. Physically, Dad isn’t doing bad at all. But I see the dementia increasing every time I go home.
4. I fried 1 turkey this year and 3 turkey breasts. I am glad Dad taught me how to do it, but again, kind of surreal to do this without him.
But, again, I am thankful to still have him here. And I worry about Mom. She is working so hard and pushing herself beyond limits. Praying for them hard everyday.
The Random Thinker 
David, boy! Can my sons appreciate your words. Most of their visits come in the form of ‘what needs to be done this time’? There will be many projects after Don is in a nursing home. Things that just can’t be done with him here. It is just so sad to see my husband in this condition. Linda B
Enjoy every minute you have. They will be great memories.