Only If You Said Goodbye: Handling Loss at Thanksgiving

I wished you would have said goodbye. But if you did I'm sure I would not have let you go. I wonder now what you thought of in the last moments that you held life in your grasp. Did you think about me/us? The picture on the wall lay flat on the floor face down as I entered my living room, I wondered how it happened, the backing gave way, as did you. You gave up what you could no longer hold; life. I miss you. I wish we had those long talks in the night. I wish we would have held each-other until the morning. I wanted to hear you say, "I love you" my daughter, you are special to me. Just one more day to make it right, to clear the air, to tell you that I wouldn't trade you for anything in this world. You are the only Mom, and Dad I have and I cherish you both. But you both left so soon without warning. I miss you so.

I miss you so, why did you leave so soon. I/ we needed you. Why weren't you able to give yourself and not things. All I/we have left of you are the things. They're void of life , the chairs you sat on are empty. 

This Thanksgiving I will remember when we all ate together, and tired of Turkey everything by the next Wednesday after thanksgiving. No more Turkey left overs please. I'd eat more dried turkey by Saturday if only you had said goodbye. I might not have let you go in Peace. I wouldn't, couldn't endure such an responsibility, so the Infinite lover of my soul spared me the moment of your final exit.

IF you or someone you know is suffering the loss of a loved one this thanksgiving holiday; Give Thanks for the life that they did have, for the moments when you did hear them laugh, or cry > Give Thanks that they were yours for even one moment in time and they loved you the best way they knew how. Even if they never said it, think of the times when they showed up for you.  It takes a strong will to accept the loss of a loved one and even more courage and tenacity to let them go and rest. I know you cry yourself to sleep at night, but take courage and give thanks. Give thanks this thanksgiving that you have those memories and the opportunity to create different ones now.  

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on all the goodness you have in your life, so don't allow sadness and loss to consume the joy and the opportunity you still have to give thanks. Love and move forward even if your loved ones never said goodbye. They loved you more than they could say.