Another Brick in the Road

It is November in Michigan and it is snowing before Thanksgiving for the first time in years. I used to when I was a kid many, many years ago. I remember because all the hunters in the family were excited to be able to have the snow to track the deer. But I don't remember this much snow nor it being this cold that the tears in your eyes freeze to your eyelashes, your nose hairs quit moving because they are froze and the snow crunches under each step of your boots.

It is 12:38 am, Tuesday, November 18 and nine days before Thanksgiving I am writing this in my bed with the electric blanket on and I am alone. This reminds me it is that time again when not everyone will have a full table next Thursday. There will be empty places shouting out to those gathered. Not all places are empty because of death but are empty because that person is in prison and maybe it has been many holiday's they have celebrated away from their families.

If it is the first is it is particularly painful for the family and the one incarcerated. The chatter around the table isn't quite so lighthearted and animated and maybe there is not a lot of chatter at all. With each beat of ones heart it aches because that person is missing. Maybe you just cannot believe that your family member is actually behind bars or maybe it is a repeat and the questions include why and how can this be happening again. There may be tears and awkward silences at the table and your wish is that this day would just be done.

I am grateful that this years all my family will be around and I am blessed to be able to celebrate with someone who has spent the last four years behind bars. It will be a first for him and his dad to be together and break bread together. My heart is full of joy.

Then I think of those who are in Nursing homes and the people who just don't seem to have anybody. I pray you will be aware of those people. Please be sensitive and maybe invite them to your holiday dinner. I am grateful that Thanksgiving is one holiday I have not spent alone and I have had an enjoyable time with the family I did spend it with but I am aware not all people are so blessed. Families are fractured, people are angry or bitter, some are just too far away, some are incarcerated. I pray they will be reached out to.