Thanksgiving

In the morning, one couldn’t decipher where the low clouds ended, the rain began or the difference from rain coming down and road spray shooting up. Water gathered through my wool hat to form a single drip from the center of the bill, falling onto the frozen tip of my nose then repeating with another drip onto the same spot for the length of the ride. 2 hours with some hills, some flats, some jokes and some retrospection. Just TK and I as others were out of town, watching kids or recently moved away. The weather stayed dark and wet all day.

My last Thanksgiving Day ride was 3-years ago sitting gingerly with a still healing pelvis. That day Markie stopped us where Cadillac Jack took me out. He burned some incense, said a prayer and danced in a circle in the middle of the street to expel the bad ju-ju. It was pouring rain that day too.

When I got home, Gavin and A were in the basement. I peeled the wet clothes off and put my shoes on top of the heater. G was pining for help from atop his slide. He’s mastered climbing up the steps but still is nervous about committing to going down the other side. Once he holds my hands he lunges fearlessly down laughing all the way. But never lets loose of his grip.

My mom called to tell me of my uncles passing. It was relatively quick and he was lucid near the end (able to be with his brother and sister, my dad and aunt). I never knew him well, but always felt a connection. He was simple and sincere. The last time I saw him he held Trike which was no easy feat, and Trike snuggled in under his chin as he did to no one other than A and I.

Two weeks ago a neighbor died from a blood clot while recovering from a previous stroke. This morning Adrienne had her Coumadin level checked, as she always will. It is a gift that despite the sheer number of clots that she had, we still have her.

The sun is shining today. Gavin just woke from his nap and we are off to hike up and down Mt. Tabor. My hip isn’t aching after yesterdays ride. This is a recent, new trend of progression. A is off to a traditional outing with her gal-pals tonight. G and I will practice going down his slide and throwing toys down the basement stairs. Giggling the whole time.