whaaa happened?

thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday for a long time. it's not *too* commercialized and it's all about being with family members and other loved ones. it took on extra special meaning for me 17 years ago when i had what turned out to be my last thanksgiving meal with my Grandma. during her last months, she wasn't the Grandma i knew growing up - the one who would wake me up with a smile every morning, watch game shows with me, let me watch her play solitaire. alzheimer's had robbed her of her of so many of the things that she knew as everyday pleasures, and by that thanksgiving she was hardly the same person. but just to have her there at the table with my grandpa, just like old times, meant the world to me.

this will be the first thanksgiving dinner we'll have with my brother in - oh my goodness - i think 9 or 10 years. it also marks the 2nd anniversary of my dad coming home from the 4th stage of his treatment at ucsf - the one that still has him cancer-free today.

it'll be a nice, quiet day at my parent's house in monterey. i'll probably visit my grandparent's house that is on the same lot as my parent's house, say hi to Grandma and Grandpa, try not to cry, and tell them what's going on in my life. then i'll spend time with my family and remind myself how lucky i am to have such wonderful parents and the best brother ever.