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by Paula Thomas These kinds of stories are best started at the beginning. In a 13 month period, four close members of my family died - my grandmother, my father, my husband and my mother. So where is the "thanks" in that, you ask. Well, it's in the little things. It's in the long life and peaceful death of my grandmother. It's in the quick death with no suffering for my father. It's in the one more Christmas I shared with my husband. And, it's in the strength of my mother when she signed the paper to discontinue her dialysis knowing she would die in a matter of days. Each death came in a different manner and from a different disease but these cherished people took the time to teach my children and myself a valuable lesson. Yes, they taught us how to die but, more importantly, they taught us how to live every moment to it's fullest. There's something about a terminal illness that makes you rearrange your priorities. Suddenly, bad hair days aren't as important any more. My husband had no hair, falling victim to the poison pumped into his body trying to kill the cancer. I didn't care what my nails looked like. I was so grateful to be able to give my mother a manicure while she retold the stories of her childhood, slowly slipping into a coma. My grandmother slipped away holding the hands of those she loved the most while my father died knowing he had done his best to provide, protect and secure our futures. And, now, as I face a life under the shadow of multiple sclerosis, I take time evey day to look for reasons to be thankful. I'm no longer in a wheelchair. I have wonderful friends that look after my needs. My family and I are drawn even closer. I've been given the opportunity to fulfill my life-long dream of writing. But, most important of all, I have time - time to enjoy the simple things in life and time to give thanks for those things. This Thanksgiving Day, as you sit at your tables, stop to think of all the things you have to be thankful for and take the time to express your thanks. If you have children, be thankful for their health, their being in your life. Thank those close to you for the sacrifices they have made for you. Thank your friends for their love and friendship. And, if you can't find anything else to be thankful for, be thankful you have food on your table, no matter how much or how little. |
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by Paula Thomas November, 2000 With 10 minutes warning, you dash frantically around the house, piling the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and cramming junk in that already over-stuffed closet. But what do you serve your guests when a calm and composed you welcomes them at the front door? If you have mayonnaise, cheese and spices, you have party food! And, remember, those stale, soggy chips or crackers can be revitalized with just a few minutes in the oven on a cookie sheet. Black and Yellows Mayonnaise In a bowl, pour in the amount of cheese you want. Mix in the black olives. Add sufficient mayonnaise to stick the ingredients together. Spread on crackers and pop in a 350 oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed and the cheese is slightly melted. Don't have black olives? Use green olives, left over sandwich meats chopped fine or bacon bits from a jar. Yummy, Crumbly Dip Mayonnaise Put a sufficient amount of mayonnaise in a bowl. Add Ranch dressing to taste. Sprinkle with salad topping mixture. Stir well and chill (if you have time) or serve as is. Zesty Italian Dip Mayonnaise Mix ingredients to taste. Chill if you have time or serve as is. TIP: Keep your pantry stocked with fresh spices and pre-packaged salad dressings. And, don't forget to pick up a couple of the pre-packaged, dehydrated sour cream mixtures. Let your imagination run wild. Use bacon bits, sour cream and a little onion for a great bacon dip. Use onion soup mix, sour cream and mayonnaise for onion dip. Want that Mexican taste? Use chili powder and cilantro with mayonnaise and sour cream. Whatever you serve your guests, remember the holiday season is to be enjoyed. Make it easy on yourself. A haried hostess is no joy for anyone. Paula Thomas is a freelance writer that has been caught numerous times with a messy house and no pre-planned party food on hand. |
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