We spent the Thanksgiving holiday at Dad and Gretchen’s place in Roseville, and I had much for which to be thankful. I was thankful that I got to play 9 holes of golf with the boys for about 3 hours even though Lisa threatens that next year she and the girls will go out and get a facial on that day. I was thankful that I played fairly well even if it was the worst of the foursome of Dad, Andrew, Dan and myself.

I was thankful that I didn’t have to cook. Not that I mind cooking, but let’s be honest: It’s always better to not have to. Anna Mero did the honors this year, and she is to be thanked while I’m being thankful.

I was thankful that I won at cards more than I lost. I am thankful even now that I can put forward a good fib when pressed. Dan’s god-daughter, the spunky 18-year-old Ashly made me fold like a deck of cards at games like Speed, Spit and Spoons.

I was thankful for the movie Field of Dreams (1989) which came on late that night and made me cry like a baby just like every time I’ve ever watched it.

John Kinsella: Well, good night Ray.
Ray Kinsella: Good night, John.
[They shake hands and John begins to walk away]
Ray Kinsella: Hey… Dad?
[John turns]
Ray Kinsella: [choked up] “You wanna have a catch?”
John Kinsella: I’d like that.

But mostly I realized that I am thankful for corn. Patrick first brought this up when quizzed by day-care provider, Brenda on Wednesday. It brought a tear to my eyes just to think of it. How many foods can you appreciate twice? For that matter I’m thankful for peanuts too. “And asparagus too, in a weird sort of way,” Dan added.

It’s always easier to be unthankful for things and, while during a round of golf it may be difficult to remember these things, at the end of the day we’re left with an empty place in our lives because of them: We are frequently with family, but never all inclusively. This year Amy, Dave, Carson and Kate were noticeably missing. And a Thanksgiving without mom is like a Thanksgiving without the turkey. (Just humor, Mom.) Lisa’s family is with us every other year or so, but every other year they are away from us. And while we may never spend another holiday with Mary Mielcasz, her memory is always with us.

We wish we could have all family with us during the holiday season, but know that we are at least thinking about all of you too. Happy Holidays!