A Thanksgiving memory.....

 Thanksgiving has come once again and for the past 26 years it's been a time of sadness and thankfulness for me and my family.  

My big brother Tom passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 1986 and it left such a hole in my heart.  He was much too young and had so much more living to do.

 Of all the photos of my brother I think the above is the one that brings back the most memories.  Tom was always in the Fourth of July parade back in Champaign, Illinois and walked the parade route collecting for the Jaycees.  Although at the time I lived in Jersey, the kids and I always came for the parade.  You can see my Mom and my then  two young children sitting on the side line, looking on.

A tear comes to my eyes when I think of how my children have missed a lifetime of fun and love from this great guy.    They spent so much time together and were always wandering through the woods on weekends and just spending good time together.

Now all I can do is be so very thankfull to have had Tom in my life for as long as I did, but the sadness will never go away.

Sending love and a promise into the heavens to my brother "Tommy"

I'll be with you once again and  

  we can continue.

 Oh, how we all miss you!  

(((((hugs)))))

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I can smile when I think of all I have to be thankful for this year.  My 101 yr old mother-in-law, bless her heart.  My children and grandchildren who are the lights of my life.  For Mr. N who has been there for me through it all.  For all my friends and family who have kept me going and given me love.  For my Sister who has been there since  birth.  For the people of my future who will come to me,  I'm excited to meet you.

And lets not forget Dr. Walsh, the one who has kept my heart beating.

"I love you all" 

"Sending wishes to all  of you out there in Blogland"

I'm sharing this post with

Alphabet Thursday

Vintage Inspiration