(((((Family))))),

Since many of you might be travelling today and will be busy tomorrow, I just wanted to take a moment to wish my Alanon family A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

I know this time of year can be tough on us.  This is my first holiday without my dear hubby Tim.  I miss him so much everyday. I know he is in a better place.  Every time it snows I like to think he is sending his love down to Pipers and I. Now more than ever, I am counting my blessings.  I was blessed to have known and loved him and be loved by him for 2o+ years. He was the great love of my life. That will never change.

I have said way too many goodbyes this year.  In the past couple of weeks, I lost 2 more people who were near and dear to my heart. Despite the heartbreak of this past year, I have so many blessings to count.  It's hard to know where to begin.

I am so grateful to all of you here. Alanon saved my life even when hubby was sober. You showed me a strength and determination that I thought I had lost. You sent me your love and prayers when Tim was sick, when I was sick, when I lost hubby, when Pipers was sick.  You have wrapped your loving arms around me, even when I didn't realize that I needed it.  You are all my guardian angels. Thanks isn't enough for all you have done for me.

Living with an active A isn't easy. But the battle they wage is not easy either.  When hubby was active I always sad that I loved the man, never the disease.  Watching him battle his addiction was heartbreaking and inspiring. I've always sad that if I had their disease I am not sure that I would be able to overcome it.  Maybe today we can be thankful that they are still alive, remember what they were like when they were sober.  I'd give anything in the world to be able to wrap my arms around Tim (sober or not) and tell him how much I love him. I loved him regardless if he was sober or not. He was a human being with a horrible disease. That's all.  It didn't diminish the remarkable man that he was.

Remember we are here for you 24/7. If things get rough, try and have a back up plan.  Come in here to chat, find a meeting or just post. 

I will be spending a quiet day with Pipers. That's okay. (If I get lonely I can go see my sister.) I have to be in work at 4am Friday, so I'm up at 2am. That puts me to bed at 8pm!   I have made myself a good dinner already: turkey ravioli, sage & walnut pesto, cranberry chutney and warm curried pumpkin soup.  For dessert I cheated and bought a pumpkin cheesecake.   I will go for a long walk in the morning.  Perhaps I might try and put the new Christmas tree up.

Life is different now, but I am blessed to be here.  No matter what the holidays bring, remember that you are loved by Pipers and me, along with all the other Alanon family members.  Have a wonderful holiday. Be safe and be careful if you are travelling. Come back safe and sound to us.  Much love and blessings to you and your families.

Pipers sends her love and blessings to all the family Pet family.  She reminds you that not all leftovers are safe for cats & dogs. If you are not sure what you can and cannot feed your family go to the ASPCA website. They have a list of what is not okay to feed our furry friends. She gets a Fancy Feast for Turkey Day!

Live strong,
Karilynn & Pipers Kitty