:THANKFUL:

Every year brings new things to be thankful for... sometimes bountiful blessing... sometimes trials seen safely through...

As I and my wonderful family sat around the laden table this Thanksgiving, in turn, as so moved, we touched our utensils to our wine glasses- signalling a toast- and were thankful. 

We were thankful for two upcoming weddings- for spouses- for special relationships- for parents- for family- my ninety-four year old great-grandmother (with tears in her eyes) was thankful for one more year with all of us (and we, thankful, hope for yet another with her).

I too have many things to be thankful for. Too many to name.

But at this particular moment, tonight, I am thankful for two. I'm thankful-

to get to play Pinochle with my ninety-seven year old great-grandfather...

to hear my great-grandmother asked me, "Won't you play for me before I go?"

I played three songs for her- My Father's Favorite, Moon River, and As Time Goes By. She sat near the piano and listened as I played and murmured the words.

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by.