My Heart Overflows

Yesterday was our annual day to head up to the mountain to cut Christmas trees at the tree farm. This tradition of ours has been going on longer than I can remember and it is something that we all look forward to every year. In fact, we bought the perfect artificial tree last year- it's colorful, whimsical and even Seussical - and yet we still had to make our pilgrimage to the mountain.. not to get a tree, but to get our yearly dose of wandering among the thistles and burrs, hearing the far off laughter of loved ones echo faintly in the distance, watching my girls transform into their younger selves as they run and play and hide among the towering pines... and to capture it all in pictures.
You can take away the Turkey feasts, the frenzied Christmas shopping and all of the extras we enjoy, but I will never give up time with my family. And time spent on that mountain is magical. No gift could ever put smiles on my children's faces like a few hours in the crisp air, surrounded by Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandparents.

When I stepped out of the car and walked toward the old camper where Roy always waits patiently for our family to find The Perfect Tree, I was stunned to see my frail little Grandpa sitting there. Since Grandma's passing, Grandpa has continued to become more fragile and we are achingly aware that our remaining time with him is very short. I didn't expect to see him yesterday at the mountain, I was prepared for the hollow event it would be without the family patriarch teasing Dorothy about how long it takes her to select The Perfect Tree, and yet there he was. I felt my eyes stinging with sudden tears. We had been given a gift. At least one more tradition with Grandpa by our side.
Grandpa can't see very well anymore, but that doesn't stop him from smiling big whenever someone comes near to greet him with hugs and kisses. He is so kind and so gentle.. just being near him yesterday filled my heart with gratitude. He made a point to tell me that he felt Grandma near and I know he was right. I felt her too and I gave silent thanks for the posterity that they created. There is no gift greater than family and my grandparents did a fine job at that.

Even though we knew we weren't there to get a tree, we happily wandered around and helped other family members select and cut trees of their own. The kids were playing and posing for pictures, the dogs were enjoying the time in new territory and I made sure to document as much as I could so that we will always remember.
Today we will spend the day as a family, cooking and preparing for guests to join us for dinner. Some of the girls are already awake and I know the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be another fun tradition that we won't miss as we busy ourselves in the kitchen. Today will be fun, but nothing can compare to our day on the mountain yesterday. My heart was so full that I cried all the way home. I am so thankful for my family and for one more day with Grandpa.
I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life. There is nothing that I am lacking when I am surrounded by family. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!