Our visit with my family in the mountains was the best I felt in a pretty long time.  I can’t quite put my finger on it.  It might have been the mountain cool air or the change in scenery.  I love Fall colors, and luckily for me, I experienced the way it makes me feel when I see red leaves.   I really thought the leaves would have all fallen by now.  They’re so nice to wait for me.

Holidays are a little tough for me.  Mom used to make such a delicious spread.  She had a list of menu items written out on a piece of paper taped to the kitchen cabinet.  Inevitably, we would sit down at the table, eat until we just couldn’t take it anymore, and mom would say, “I forgot something.” Like we really needed more food.  She would get up and check her list, and bring another delicious dish to the table.  We would all take a deep breath and find some more room in our busting bellies.  It was irresistable.  I miss my mom and dad everyday, but holidays are the toughest.  I miss calling my mom and listening to her enthusiasm about the new dishes she was preparing for Thanksgiving.  My mom loved to cook and she was excellent at it.

I have my finger on it now.  I felt more stable this Thanksgiving for one simple reason.  My family stabilizes me.  It’s the best feeling to be loved by my family.  They have supported me and given me comfort since I was 16.   I love talking and laughing with mom and dad, sisters, brothers, uncles, nieces, nephews, and maybe hanging with the cats.  I’m still contemplating my cat time.  I am my true self with my family and they love me for it.  I am so thankful for them.