A little behind.......

Well, I haven't been posting regularly as I had planned.  I have been busier than normal, and have just not had the time to sit down long enough to post.  I have also moved back in with Derek, as he is recovering from a broken femur and needed my help.  I feel like I have "abandoned" my Dad at a time when he needs me, too.  (Although, he would never admit it or ask for help from anyone.)  While I am on the subject of my dad, let me just say this.......I believe with all my heart, that I have the most wonderful, amazing father in the world!!!  Words can't begin to describe him.  I am often told how much I look like him - that is pretty obvious.  If only I could be told how much I am LIKE him - that would be such an honor.  I may have some of his "traits", but, sadly, most of them are only in appearance.  He has got to be the most "down to earth", patient, considerate and "in-control" person I know.  He handles every situation the same - he doesn't make hasty decisions, and he considers the feelings of everyone involved.  I value his advice & his perspective.  I love you, Daddy!!! 

Okay, I will get back to my post...........yesterday was Thanksgiving.  For the last 6 years, this year included, I have spent Thanksgiving with Derek's family.  My mother's family have been "gathering" at her sister's,(my aunt Marsha), since my mother decided she had done it at our house enough.  There are 7 out of 9 children in Mother's family who are still living.  So, when you add spouses, children, grandchildren & even great-grandchildren, that makes for a lot of people!!  So, it had gotten to the point where it was just too much for Mother, so Aunt Marsha took over.  (Thankful for her!!)  And, thanks to my dad being a "geek", I was able to see the family pictures he took on Thanksgiving on his Facebook page and, in a sense, feel like I was there with them.  Mother looked absolutely beautiful, as always.  But, now, when I look at her, a part of her isn't there anymore.  It is very difficult for me to try to explain, and believe me, I have tried.  I miss her the way she WAS before Alzheimer's - she was the one who knew everything!!!!  Birthdays, phone numbers, addresses, etc.....and there wasn't a recipe for anything she had ever cooked, that she couldn't tell you off the top of her head.  I miss her cooking more and more as time goes by.  Her homemade hot rolls on Sunday's were to die for!!!  I have tried to make them several times, and although they weren't bad, they WEREN'T Mother's!!!  I realize that I should've paid more attention to the things she did on a daily basis, so I would know - now that I can't ask her.  

I can go on and on about what I "wish" I had done or asked her when I had the opportunity.  But, as is true with most humans, in general, I took the things she did so willingly for granted.  I guess I thought I had more time........but, unfortunately, I didn't.  So, enjoy each moment with your parents, your family and your friends.  Life is short and you never know what tomorrow holds.  Learn as much as you can from your mother while you have the opportunity.  Tomorrow, you may not have that chance.