I have just finished the first Thanksgiving meal since my wife Patty died last February. We ( two of my sons and their two companions plus me) did pretty good in all respects. I hope that Patty is not too disappointed at the lack of home cooked dishes on the menu. I managed to not cry during the meal, but did after. I began thinking of the many friends and family members that have died in the past twenty or so years. In spite of this sadness, that seems to cloak me from time to time, I retain my basic outlook on life as being good and satisfactory in the main. I am lonely most of the time because I miss the companionship and love that existed in our sixty five years of marriage. Thank you family and friends – you make life bearable.
BRAIN DRAIN UNCLOGGED 
Mel, I understand. My father died on Thanksgiving day exactly ten years ago. My favorite aunt (the last of my parents’ generation in my family) died a few weeks ago. Holidays can be difficult when they remind us of people who are no longer here. For me, I just realize that things change through the years and we just need to keep going. Days before my mom died from medical causes after being declared terminal, also ten years ago, she told my sister and me not to mope around after she was gone. She had lived a good, long life and since there was no changing what would happen, we should go on living our lives. That’s easier said than done.