Dear Friends,
This Thanksgiving was proving to be more festive than our usual holiday. My niece and her family were flying in from Montana. A few Floridian nephews and nieces would be over for dinner; and my sister and her family crew of eight from Pennsylvania would be staying with us for a few days. Thanksgiving was 32 people in our boisterous house. A lot of wine, food and laughs were had by all.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving we were gathering to celebrate the birth of our good friend’s first grandchild. On our way to the naming ceremony, we learned that the baby’s great-grandfather passed away on the day after Thanksgiving. Great-Grandpa Stanley had come up from Florida to celebrate his great granddaughter’s birth and to share in the holiday festivities. He was not ill, and his death was unexpected.
On Saturday friends and family gathered and celebrated baby Sophia’s life and future. We celebrated the new child, new parents, and new grandparents. My friend with great courage put the focus that morning on Sophia while still dealing with the death of his father.
On Monday, we regathered to both celebrate and mourn the life and death of a great-grandfather, husband and father. Tears were shed and hugs were exchanged as we could finally grieve.
Life’s full circle turned in a weekend for their family. That is why we should all take time out to count our blessings, and celebrate this holiday season!
Merry Christmas; Happy Chanukah; Happy Kwanza, and a Happy, Healthy New Year to all.
Keith J. Ahlers
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