Happy Thanksgiving

It has taken a little bit of thinking this year to come up with some things that I am thankful for given recent events.  I decided that in addition to the normal list of family, friends, health etc that I would add on surrogate families.  See this year our Thanksgiving Day adventures were very different from the norm.  It is usually at this time of year we would have packed up the car filled to the brim with clothes, food and now cats and travel to one of our families homes.  We love to spend time with our families, whether it is my family in Colorado or his family up north.  However given our circumstances with my unemployment we felt it was best to not spend the money it would take travel to these destinations.  It was a very difficult decision and one that we did not enter into lightly.  It hasn't been the easiest decision and I am truly Thankful for how well my Mother handled the news.  

So towards the end of my weekly catch-up sessions, a couple of weeks ago, with a former co-worker, he inquired about our plans for Thanksgiving and I explained that we would not be traveling anywhere.  He was sad for us but thought we had probably made a wise decision.  The very next day there was an email invitation from him and his wife to join them for Thanksgiving.  I was very touched at the invite and we accepted on the condition we could contribute towards the meal.  

Before we left with our green bean casserole and apple pie in hand, I had the opportunity to talk with my mom before we left and she wanted me to make sure that I expressed her gratitude that Mike and Lenore had opened their home to Matthew and I and were taking such good care of her daughter!  The Reilly family has definitely over the last couple of years become a surrogate family for me.  When I worked with Mike at my last job it was very much like working with my Dad.  He was also good about dispensing good sound advice and wasn't afraid to tell it to me straight.  It is also nice because Matthew and I am about the same ages as their children and we have met them all except for one daughter.  

Our dinner was awesome, with plenty of food to go around several times.  There were many laughs mostly at their granddaughter's expense and lots of good wine!   How could you go wrong.  Granted it was exactly the same for Matthew and I but it sure comes in a good second when you can be with your own family!  So Thank You to our surrogate family "The Reillys"!!