Skywatch Friday – Thanksgiving 2020

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It’s Thanksgiving Day!! What a year it has been for everybody. Global pandemics, political and racial upheaval, a plunging economy. Things have been really weird all year. Personally I dealt with all that plus I retired in June. We and I have lots to be thankful for. I love being retired for one. The political upheaval seems to be resolving itself here in the USA. Hopefully we will make progress on our racial issues as well. That will be a long process rather than an event. Me and my family have our health. You sure can’t take that for granted. The main thing I am grateful for is my brother, Bob’s continuing recovery from his illness.

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A little over a year ago he was stricken with viral encephalitis.

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This man who has completed about four dozen marathons and over one hundred half marathons lost his ability to even walk. The past year, despite some setbacks he is making progress. He can walk a little ways with a walker now but he is determined that he is going to enter a race again. It won’t be a marathon and he’ll probably walk instead of run but I think he is going to do it.

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So during his ordeal which included two acute care hospitals, two long term acute care hospital, and a long term care facility I have met some of the army of health care workers in our country.

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Everybody from doctors of all types, nurses, nursing aides, speech, physical, respiratory and occupational therapists to the people who clean the rooms, bring the food, and some of the sitters that sat with him early on. They were all awesome going above and beyond expectations to make sure that Bob got great care.

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Yep, they are all heroes, and right in the middle of Bob’s ordeal the pandemic hit and yet they continued to take care of Bob. My hat goes off to them and am deeply appreciative of what they do.

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So this photo is from a couple years ago. Last year Bob and I had our Thanksgiving meal together in a hospital in Memphis. This year, he is in Tulsa but at a Long Term Care facility where they are shut down because of the pandemic so we’ll talk to him today but we won’t be able to share a meal with him. Hopefully, next Thanksgiving he’ll be with us again. He and I talk every day plus I have been able to be with him on some of his doctor’s appointments lately.

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My prayer is that you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.

Skywatch Friday

Special Addendum – Thanksgiving 2020

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So today Logan, Heather, and Nana (the world’s greatest MIL) sat down to eat for Thanksgiving.

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A little bit closer look at the food. I smoked the chickens. They were huge! Like small turkeys.

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Logan again and Abby the wonderdog

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My beautiful bride, Heather.

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And Nana, the world’s great MIL.

17 thoughts on “Skywatch Friday – Thanksgiving 2020

  1. Angie

    Alan – thanks for your Thanksgiving wishes – same to you and yours. I am so happy for you that your brother continues his recovery – that is a blessing indeed! I am encouraged by the progress with the vaccines; I am optimistic that there is light at the end of this very long tunnel. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and the upcoming weekend!

  2. KlaraS

    Happy Thanksgiving to You and your family. It’s been a weird year. Let’s hope the pandemia will disappear soon. And your brother will get better and better. A lot of health to You and Your family.

  3. Driller's Place

    Praying that Bob continues his recovery and will race again one day, even if it is at a different pace.
    The chicken looked marvelous. I think I may try smoking a turkey breast soon and I have yet to try a brisket. Pork loin is my forte and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Have a blessed holiday.

  4. Nancy Chan

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and family. In spite of all the storms we have to face, we can be thankful that we are healthy and safe. Good to know that your brother is making good progress. Its great to see the smiles on everyone’s face. You are blessed with a great MIL. Have a beautiful weekend.

  5. Susie of Arabia

    Such a nice post, Yogi. It has been become evident this past year that our health is the most important thing. Without it, life sucks. I’m glad your brother is making progress. I remember your post last Thanksgiving about spending it with your brother. Loved seeing the family photos from your feast. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season – and a much better year ahead for all of us.

  6. Alana

    Happy belated Thanksgiving. Your brother has had quite the journey, and I was so happy to see, in your update, that his recovery continues and you’ve been able to see him (even briefly). We all have much to be thankful for. I enjoyed the pictures of your family and wish you all continued safety and health. Too many of us don’t appreciate our health until it’s gone.

  7. A ShutterBug Explores

    Sending lots of prayers and healing energy for your brother and glad you had a good Thanksgiving ~ loving photos that you posted ~

    Angel says Ruff! ruff!

    Live each moment with love,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

  8. Barb

    Thanks for the update on brother Bob – I’m in his cheering section and believe he’ll be starting and finishing a race by next year. Glad to see that your family enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast. Bob and I celebrated alone, with many texts and photos back and forth among family members. Bob had leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, corn pudding , gravy, and cranberry relish for breakfast. He says that’s what he’s having for dinner,too. I only made a turkey breast, but it is a lot of meat for 2 people (who are usually vegetarians)!

  9. Peter B.

    Bob is truly an inspiration. My mom had viral encephalitis about 8 years ago. She lives with us now, and my wife and I take care of her. She was so fortunate to regain most functions. She suffers from short term memory loss, but otherwise is doing well for 90 years old. Looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  10. Ellen

    Beautifully written post about our brother. With God’s grace he will continue to get better. I think 2021 will bring good things for him.

    I’m glad to see you guys having a relaxed Thanksgiving. Love the paper plates!

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