Thoughts of Thanksgiving years ago descended upon me today, as I sat early in the am, sipping my coffee. What a wonderful growing up I had. Different memories of my parents and siblings drifted, almost endlessly, throughout the morning with me.
The days of my 20s seem to reflect strongest in my memory, as they were days of early adulthood with few cares, sorrowful maturity, and freedom that every young person yearns for. I was married, had a successful business, and being of dubious ancestry, a wild nature.
A country boy, I loved hunting and fishing, and always had my favorite buddies on Thanksgiving morning, for that annual duck-hunting trip in the marshes of eastern Long Island; a ritual we looked forward to year after year. Back then, the winters were cold, the bays and ponds frozen over, the early snow drifted high, and the hunter/gatherer instinct ran high. I worked my dog faithfully every week, all year long, in anticipation of this special day. My brother, my best friend Jeff and I were off in the boat long before sunrise. Before noon, we were frozen to the point of frostbite, we bagged our limit, drank too much, swapped way too many lies, and were ready for the feast we knew awaited our return. This we did for more years than I can remember.
Sadness overcame me today as I remembered “the good ol’ days." My brother has long since passed away and my best friend now resides 700 miles away. Thanksgiving today didn’t seem as special to me today as it had in the past. Where had the years gone I wondered, and how had things changed so much. For a short time a tear came to my eye and a longing for those days to return held a tight grip on my heart.
The changes that life brings us abound in so many aspects, and all things change. Some of these changes are very subtle, others come on like cannons resonating. My sadness subsided as I woke my family for the festive day. I saw my beautiful wife awake in her ever so attractive oversized tee shirt, my daughter giving me that ever so loving sneer through bleary eyes and I realized just how comfortable life had become. A beautiful home, two successful businesses, quality friends, a warm sunny day, and a bright future were the only curses that have be-felled me What more could a person want.
At that moment I realized how lucky I was and how thankful I should be. Not just for what I had at the moment, but for the memories of fun and friendship I held of the past. Today I said a prayer for my brother and called my best friend. We planned a fishing trip for the Spring -- back to our old stomping grounds of Long Island -- and bragged of our successes of late.
Life’s been good to me in so many ways. Today was a good day.
Gary R. Lake is the owner of 'Gary R. Lake, Commercial Refrigeration,' and has been in business for over forty years. Migrating from New York, he and his family moved to South Carolina 5-1/2 years ago and continues his business there. He has presently co-authored the book, "7001 Forgotten Secrets of the Ages" with his wife, Judi. For more information visit: http://www.7001forgottensecretsoftheages.com
» left by Judi Lake(2,270) Judi Lake (271 days 7 hours ago.)
It feels "strange" to respond to my husband yet I feel compelled to - Gary, you never cease to amaze me; this really moved me to tears -- "Baby, you're the best!" Respond to this comment
» left by sue thom from nj (270 days 19 hours ago.)
hi Gary,
what a nice, smooth story we all can relate to in one way or the other.
All the elements were there. Thank you for a very nice article,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by April Lorier(4,569) April Lorier (270 days 16 hours ago.)
Love the article, love the new picture. Yes, Gary, life is always in flux and changes, both good and not-so-good, seem more difficult to assimilate. But, in retrospect, I'm grateful for change. Our brains have a habit of remembering only the good and discarding the bad, so it's tempting to think on "the good ole days". You have a beautiful (though quirky) wife and a beautiful daughter that keeps you young. You are truly blessed -- and so are THEY! Respond to this comment
Was
this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
