The perfect holiday for me is when I have time to reflect, to be introspective of the year, and eat pie for breakfast. 2021 has been my restoration year. A return to family, running, and the first Thanksgiving dinner I’ve cooked in several years. The pie was baked by my son-in-law.
I ran this weekend over the dying landscape of an impending winter, but I’m invigorated. I learned to run comfortably with my current weight and completed my first marathon in four years. I’m a runner again.
The year started with the loss of my mother, and that was indescribably sad. Caring for her on hospice for twelve months with my brother left me prepared though. If you’ve done something similar, then you know the final passing is a blessing.
Months later, I became a grandfather. A life is marked by meaningful milestones and Margot Faye’s birth was a life changing occasion for more than just me. Our house once again has a bassinet, formula and milk bottles.
It’s impossible to top the birth of my granddaughter, but everything else has been going well too, including my writing. I’ve made a little progress on my third novel, and I’ve had other fulfilling writing outlets. I’m grateful for everything this past year. I hope it’s been as good for you.
A Runner's Story 
That is a beautiful baby, and some pretty fine looking pie. Your son-in-law is certainly doing his part! The whipped cream has held up nicely post turkey day. I actually cooked my first turkey ever this year, for 57 years someone else in my family has been doing the heavy lifting. Now that Gretchen and I have the only house in the family that my mom can visit I am going to be hosting all the holidays going forward. It is pretty great, hosting. It’s a lot of work, but the house fills with love, and holiday and family joy. The dogs love it. The cat is not really on board yet, but he is getting better. He is wisely very wary of my mom’s wheelchair!
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That’s a great story Jed and I relate to it. We must live parallel lives. I’ve cooked a lot of Thanksgiving meals, just not lately. But Karen and I have only hosted Christmas once at our home – when Brit was born premature and in the hospital over Christmas.
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That was very well written as usual. Dad
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I often have pumpkin pie for breakfast during the holidays.
Both of my parents held up fairly well until their last year or two.
In a sense it is a relief to see the suffering end. But there is always one more conversation you wish you had. So many questions.
And it’s just painful as hell.
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