We have made it through Thanksgiving after much trepidation. My employer is in the throes of handing out many more layoffs and none of us really know what to expect before Christmas and New Year’s holidays are upon us. For that matter, 2012 is a huge question mark in many ways. I’m giving away my age here but I’m not sure yet that I want to know what’s behind that door. I will need to lean heavily on our Savior for aid if what’s ahead is anything like 2011 has been.
Although we have much to be thankful for after several health crises this year, we couldn’t agree on either turkey or ham to celebrate this first of the three holidays. I finally found some non-fancy steaks on sale, which hubby had hinted at. No filet mignon for this household, not even in the best of times. And nowadays that would have been an unwarranted extravagance.
Even so, I think I would have been just as happy with British-style sausages or Italian lasagna! The rest of the money we could have spent this year was mailed to one of our local missions where they strive daily to help those struggling with homelessness. I grew up poor and I can’t imagine not helping where I can now, even though the sword of Damocles hangs over us, too.
As far as phone calls from family, zilch. We are all short on cash, for one thing. The one grateful call we did receive was from the friend recuperating in assisted living. Since she is unable to walk, we’ve been caring for her kitty for 5 months now. It will be a major adjustment for everyone, including our own two furry kids, when Ms Lucy gets to return home.
I hope your Thanksgiving was peaceful and filled with gratitude and that family spats were at a minimum. Family togetherness can be too much if indulged in for too long. But brief visits are fun! So now to write the Christmas newsletter, or those who did not hear from us in 2010 will not hear from us again in 2011.