Betsy's Blog

This year was a different Thanksgiving. We usually go to my sister Cathy's house in Camarillo, but this year she and her family flew to Georgia to be with her husband's sister. Considering my mother recently had pins and plates put into her very broken right wrist-we had to do a *new* Thanksgiving this year.

My sister Susan offered to cook. Given that she lives next door to my parents, this was the perfect solution. We had a new guest this year, our dear Shannon-who my parents invited since she was really more like family after all these years. Add to this the newest addition to our family, my great nephew Isaiah 16 months, and it was just a dear and relaxing day. Aidan wrestled with his cousin Ryan, got a zillion books read to him by his cousin Becky and his Aunt Suzie, and had the admiring looks from his littlest cousin Isaiah. It was so nice. Relaxing, happy and so wonderful.

It is hard to believe a few years ago I was at Cathy's house, with the big secret I was bursting to reveal. I had decided to become a single mother by choice, and though I had not yet told my parents, I was going to do it regardless of what they thought. The next year, I was laying on the couch as Becky felt my stomach move from Aidan's kicks. Two years from then was last night-more and more extended family for Aidan to call his family. His new uncle Chad, and the even newer soon to be cousin growing in my neice's belly. (we all think it is a girl!) Shannon was there, hanging out, watching, enjoying, and just being one of the girls.

If that is not the perfect Thanksgiving, what is?