I know, I know.  After complaining at length about the overabundance of Wizard of Oz jokes that are forced upon me, (Bracing Up) there is a bit of irony in my choice of titles for this blog.  But darn it, it’s just too appropriate.

This looks nothing like Kansas.  Because it’s not.  It’s Arizona.  Phoenix, to be exact.  And this is where Danny and I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with our family.

Our oldest son moved with his wife and four children to Phoenix four years ago.  Our youngest son, his wife and two children will also be joining us from Rapid City, South Dakota.  I have been looking forward to this holiday for months.

You see, I don’t get to see my children and grandchildren very often.  At least, not nearly as often as I would like.  I last saw the Arizona crew in July, and the Rapid City crew in August.  At times I find myself envying those grandparents who live several blocks, or even several hours, from their grandchildren.  I envy the fact that they are able to attend every baseball game, every dance, every birthday party.

But when I start to feel that way, I can sense my mother wagging her finger at me from heaven, admonishing me by saying, “You know, it could be worse!”  And she is absolutely right.  Thanksgiving is a time for being grateful for one’s blessings, not lamenting what one doesn’t have.

So, here are just a few of the things I am especially grateful for this Thanksgiving:

I am grateful that our two sons have found careers that they love and are independent and confident enough to pursue them.

I am grateful that we have two daughters-in-law who accept us into their homes with open arms each and every time we visit.

I am grateful that we have six amazing, happy, healthy grandchildren who look forward to our time together as much as we do.

The fact is, the old adage “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” really does have some truth to it.  And although we may not have the opportunity to be present at each of our grandchildren’s activities, there is a downside to never having a reason to miss someone.

My arrivals are met by a screech of “Grammy!” with tiny arms thrown tightly around my waist, and when I leave, my own glistening eyes are mirrored in the glistening eyes of the tiny face that whispers, “I don’t want you to go.”

For those of you who have never experienced any of that, let me tell you, it’s pretty darn special.  And it is enough to sustain me through many a quiet day at the farm.

But this Thanksgiving Day will not be quiet.  It will be filled with the raucous laughter of adults, the glorious chaos of rambunctious children, …

…and one very, very grateful Grammy.

(I reflect on another Thanksgiving holiday with my family in the November chapter of Another Year on the Family Farm.)

Next Week:  Never Riding Alone