Thankful for My Tapestry

This is my first Thanksgiving alone for many years and it does seem strange.  (Not to worry, friends have invited me to eat with them.)

As I reflect upon my life, the words from Carole King's haunting song, Tapestry, come to mind:  

"My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue
An everlasting vision of the ever changing view
A wondrous woven magic in bits of blue and gold
A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold."

How blessed I am to have had such an interesting life, filled with wonderful people and adventures.

I especially miss my Ed this year but my heart has been warmed as I've perused old photos.  I'm astonished at how many people in my photos are now in heaven!

In 2002, Ed and I moved to Virginia (my childhood home).  Uncle Bob May said at church,  "You all be ready on Tuesday and we'll pick you up.  The destination is a surprise."  We spent the whole day driving in West Virginia to see the fall leaves.  What a glorious day!

 

2004  We spent quite a few holidays at the home of Robert and Beth Foerster in Singers Glen. They also included Mother.  

 

When we were in Florida, we usually spent Thanksgiving with Ed's sister, Lorraine Barkett and her family.  This photo was in 2010.

 
I totally enjoyed the leisurely journey we took out West in our RV in 2009.  We had just learned that Ed had lung cancer so we really "seized the day" and savored every moment of our trip.

Yes, my tapestry is ever changing.  
 
Looking at old photos reminded me that I also had a rich life with my first husband, Alan Barrows.  

(Alan was a teacher and died from Early Alzheimer's.)

 

I learned to scuba dive while living in Puerto Rico (for 7 years).  When I moved to Ft. Lauderdale and met Alan, it worked out well that he also dived.  We were very active in the Undersea Adventurers' Dive Club.
 

 



Alan was known for his good sense of humor.  We won a prize at my faculty Halloween party in 1988.  My principal said,  "Any man with the guts to wear that costume deserves to win!"

There are so many other blessings, including my dear family and many, many supportive friends....I could go on for days.    

I continue, with God's help, to add to my rich and ever changing tapestry and I thank all who make my life worth living!   Happy Thanksgiving!

1999 One of our early Thanksgivings together.