Thankful Thursday

This is the last Thankful Thursday post for the year.  Wow!

Having just spent Christmas with my mom and dad, I have to say that I am extremely thankful for my parents and the times that I've been able to be with them this past year.

It seems as if I was able to get to Decatur more often and stay for longer periods of time this year than any time in the past several years.  I suppose some of that is due to not having any children living at home who needed me to drive them places or do their laundry.  Whatever the reason or reasons, I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to be with my mom and dad.

Some people are fortunate enough to live in the same town as their parents, maybe even in the same neighborhood!  That was never the case with me.  Since G and I were married, I have always lived three hours away from Mom and Dad.  It could have been a lot worse, especially if G had been transferred to Dallas in the early 80's.  But it also could have been a lot nicer to live closer, especially when the kids were little.

I know I've said this before, but I am keenly aware of the passage of time and the reality that my parents won't always be waiting for me to pull in their driveway.  The day will come when they won't be able to work all day in the garden and then work another five hours to can the green beans that they picked and snapped.  Already they are slowing down (heck, I'm slowing down too!) but they still are a vital part of my life and my family's life. 

It is hard to imagine the day when I won't be able to see them or call them, but that day will come.  For now, I am grateful for every day I have with them, every phone call, every card, every memory.  And I am grateful to God for giving me such wonderful parents!

I love you, Mom and Dad.  : )