I apologize to anyone who has checked my blog recently, hoping for an update, and finding the sober announcement of my uncle's death in November. We have had a lot going on - between family visits, mourning, eating, grading, writing, and sleeping, I haven't had the time to update. But today is the launching of finals week, when things slow down as the semester finally...finally...ends.
Thanksgiving Break was different this year. Because my beloved uncle passed away the week prior to Thanksgiving, it was not the usual cheerful holiday. We drove a state away to attend the funeral and spend time with my cousin and her family. It was so good to be together. It was healing, in fact. The funeral was tough, but something that I think my uncle would have liked. My cousin designed a Denver Broncos wreath, and we decorated the small church altar with some pictures and his favorite things. The funeral opened with "Carry on my Wayward Son," by Kansas. As soon as we heard the opening chords, Kaylen and I burst into tears and held each other. Hearing those words made me realize how final it was - he was really gone. Thankfully, the irony of the amazing guitar solo playing in a Baptist church halted the water-works, because we couldn't help but laugh. He would have loved it. I opened the funeral with some words that I wrote to share who he was, and what he meant to me and our family. I cried more than once. Jonathan then read a poem that a friend sent me, who also lost a family member to cancer this fall. Another song, Freebird, kept the old people awake. Then the preacher spoke, or rather, rambled, for an eternity. We all decided that my uncle would have zoned out before he had gotten halfway through his speech. Alex had the sense to take a nap. The funeral concluded with "Wish you were here" by Pink Floyd. I think he would have been satisfied, particularly with all of the disgruntled church members upon hearing rock and roll in their church. :) The rest of the visit with my cousin was nice. We got to reminisce about our childhoods, laugh and cry over memories. I'm so glad we were able to be together.
After returning from out of state, I spent all day cooking a delectable Thanksgiving feast for my mom, sister, and her boyfriend. We had lentil loaf (like meatloaf only without the carcass), red mashed potatoes, fresh green beans with garlic and almonds, glazed carrots, home-made rolls, and a pumpkin pie from scratch. It was my first attempt at a pie crust, and I was really pleased with how it came out. The recipe was from my new favorite website: http://peasandthankyou.com/recipage/?recipe_id=6005683.
Lucky me, I came down with the flu the day before Thanksgiving. Fever, aches, chills, congestion, sore throat - yuck. And I even got a flu shot! Must have been one of those strains they couldn't predict. My niece came down with it at the same time, so I'm blaming the church ladies at the funeral. :) Fortunately, I wasn't too sick to taste, which brings me to the silver lining of this holiday tale...
The PIE. I was able to enjoy lots of pumpkin pie, which is just about one of my favorite things. And so good on a sore throat. I was also able to spend time with many family members over the holiday. So while I was mourning the loss of my uncle (father), I was reminded of how grateful I am to have so many other loving family members. If I have learned nothing else from the loss of my aunt, uncle, and grandparents in the last 9 years, it is to cherish every moment spent with those I love. I have also learned to never let the sun go down on my anger, make "I love you" the last thing I say before parting, and have compassion for others' faults (God knows I hope others will show compassion toward mine). This year I am thankful for my many friends and family members - I value each and every one of you.
And I had an extra helping of mashed potatoes for you, Uncle Ricky.
School is out for a whole month! It's party time! 
