Thanksgiving & Remembrance During The Busy Days

​November: the month we traditionally remember our deceased loved ones.   Yes, September and October raced past me more quickly than in years past and we're on the brink of celebrating Thanksgiving.  I have not visited my blog page since mid-August, but I certainly have not forgotten nor needed to be reminded of my precious granddaughter.  Quite the opposite - my little Kitty has been on my mind and part of my daily life more than ever!  As we approach the holiday and remember our beloved dead, I have much for which to be thankful.

This fall, I have been especially busy with events and activities that keep Kitty Rose at the forefront of my life.  My grief coalition met for four weeks, preceded and followed by four meetings.  If it hadn't been for Kitty's death, I would never have involved myself in this ministry.  What a blessing it has been to listen to speakers, to learn from their experiences and to talk with compassionate people who share the bond of losing a loved one.  I am grateful for the support and friendship that 'Growing Through Loss' and the 17 affiliated churches have provided. 

I have been working tirelessly at my little craft business and am participating in more holiday shows and boutiques than ever before.  Proceeds from my 'Twinkle' items are donated to Ronald McDonald House of the Twin Cities and/or Children's Hospitals of Minnesota.  I am very proud to have raised $175 so far this year to donate in Kitty's memory.  Creative expression, whether it be through crafts, writing this blog or singing with the choir at my church, is a large part of who I am and being able to express myself with the intention of honoring Kitty's life is invaluable.  I am grateful for my God given gifts of creativity.

Since the beginning of summer, our grandchildren have been spending many hours at our house - or we have been traveling to stay with them - while their parents are working or attending special events.  Extra hours of teacher workshops, mandatory work weekends and friends' weddings called for extra babysitting hours.  Every time I am at Mandy's house, the picture of Belle and Kitty greets me in the front hall.  Kitty's photo collage from her two-week-old photo shoot makes me pause and study her little face every time I walk down the hallway to the kids' bedroom.  Spending the time with the twins, J and G, is a constant reminder that Kitty should be right there with them.  Born just two weeks after Kitty, they are a continual reminder of our little Kitty Rose.  I am grateful for all of my healthy, living grandchildren and am especially thankful for my little angel.  I know she watches over and protects us.

This weekend, our family will be serving a meal at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) - Minneapolis.  Twice a year since Kitty died - at Thanksgiving time and near the date of Kitty's birthday - we choose a weekend to make this small gesture of our appreciation for what was a great need almost six years ago.  The continued support of Children's Hospital and RMH for our family has gone well beyond patient care.  I look forward to working more closely at Children's as a volunteer and I am very grateful for the presence of both the hospital and RMH in our community. 

Yes, I have much for which to be thankful this Thanksgiving … ministries, creativity, family and the support of those who cared for Kitty.  But I am most grateful for the short life of my little angel, what she means to my family and for all the love she continues to provide.

Happy Thanksgiving & Blessings to All!

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