It's a mixed Thanksgiving day here at the Wages house. We await with eagerness on lunch with other families and my first attempt at pork ribs. All of our children (-Anna) have participated in preparing a side item. A few have taken ownership of the outside lights and decor that we'll finish later today. Kaleb is playing in a flag football game this morning with other housedads and house sons. We are hopeful for an afternoon of fun with games and positive attitudes.
With all the hopeful fun, feelings are mixed. All of our kids, and us, are away from family for the first time. A 15-minute phone call is all the contact they'll get today. Rachel and I have our thoughts divided, wishing to be close to family today. Our attention also is divided, which usually means K, P, and A get less attention from us. Feelings are also mixed here as we work with our 7 added children on their "stuff". It can be challenging at times to maintain positivity when kids take 1 step forward and 1 or 2 back. Thanksgiving of the past was full of relaxation, fruitful conversation, football, and black friday ads. This year we may get bits of each, and add concentration on allowing our kids to be responsible for their actions. I admit we are tired and emotionally on edge. At the same time we are hopeful for fun times and good memories with our Cookson families. That's pretty much describes each day...and that's why there's no way to respond to "How are you doing?" :)
For this extra thankful-focused day, Rachel and I recognize the immense value of family, friends, and community - past and present - that meet our needs and support our faith. Each time I pray when our big family I mention something to be thankful for, and each time I wonder how some of our kids can have a thankful spirit given their life story to date. I don't know their hearts, just bits of their stories, and it is vastly different than the story we've been blessed to have. So today Thanksgiving is less relaxation, football, and black friday ads - it's our day to give back and to blend our life story with kids who -today or one day - may look back and be thankful for our time together.
