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Sunday, November 25, 2012

SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Congratulations to Kathleen, winner of the 6-book Texas Trails giveaway from week. Other winners of one of my books are: Dana W.S., Veronica S., Kris M., Angela H., Maxie, and "Eyeballucy." If you don't hear from me, please e-mail me at belovedfranklin@msn.com.

Thanksgiving at the nursing home. I didn't expect much. My son, as I expected, spent the day with his wife's extended family (which involves 2-3 meals throughout the day.) The food would be good, but not the variety I'm used to. After all, state-mandated nutritional guidelines still apply, and they wouldn't have mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls and stuffing all at the same meal. 

Was I ever wrong. On Wednesday night, I expected canned soup and cold cuts. Instead, we had oven-fried chicken with carrot cake. Ten people crowded around my table. We represented four generations: from our 87-year-old Calling bird to me to our 30-something paraplegic to her 10-year-old daughter. 

The meal was everything a Thanksgiving meal should be. There were tears, there was laughter. There were memories shared and friendship and, I dare even say, love flowed among us. We sang songs of praise. By the time the meal ended, we all knew we had been blessed.

In fact, one man said it was the best Thanksgiving he had had for ten years. For me, it was easily the best Thanksgiving since Jolene died, four and a half years ago. 

Jaran and Jordan showed up for a visit Wednesday afternoon as well. That made the day more precious than ever.

All day Thursday we basked in the memory of that meal. We knew we had seen a glimpse of what heaven might be like.

***Normal giveaway schedule resumes this week: 1 book given away for every five comments. Please answer the following question in your comment: What single thing are you the most thankful for? I also must have your email address to send you notification.**

11 comments:

Anonymous said...


Besides GOD and my salvation, The thing I am most thankful for is the family GOD chose to put me into and the one he has given me as a mother, Gramma, and great-gramma(grammy). I love my large family so much! This sounds like a great thing you have started here. I am a follower of your blog. Does this make me a member? Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

Lane Hill House said...

Thank you so much!! I will especially like book 3 as I too had worked with vision-impaired students. Thank you so much for this series covering the four generations of the Morgan family! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

"What single thing are you the most thankful for?"
Definitely my salvation and Jesus changing my heart, welcoming me home!
Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Darlene Franklin said...

maxie, are you asking about my Facebook page?
I love to hear about your family.

And Kathleen, amen to thanking God for our salvation!

Shopgirl said...

I'm so thankful for my family, especially my mom! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

Angela - Bookaunt said...

Thank you for picking me. I got your email and just sent one back to you.

Angela - Bookaunt said...

What single thing am I thankful for?

I know the first thing everyone says is family but I am also very thankful for my eyesight and the ability to read. Books are very much a big part of my life and I don't know what I would do if I could not read.

griperang at embarqmail dot com

Darlene Franklin said...

Amen on eyesight, Angela! And even in the loss of most of my family, God has given me new family--and precious grandchildren who help to fill the hole left in my heart after my daughter and my mother's passing.

Anonymous said...

I am most thankful for my family and friends. They are a tremendous part of my life and I don't know what I would do without them.
Katie (johnsonk133@yahoo.com)

Darlene Franklin said...

Katie, families are pretty much #1 for everyone.

Darlene Franklin said...

KayM says: I am most thankful for Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation. with that in mind, I'm thankful that my dear, sweet husband is with Jesus.
may_dayzee(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

(I accidentally hit "reject" on your comment, Kay. Sorry!)

Darlene Franklin said...

Kay, your comment brought tears to my eyes. My mother and daughter are both home with the Lord, and they have been on my mind a lot during this holiday season.