Wonderful memories come flooding back
Each time Thanksgiving comes around.
From the time I was a child I looked forward
To the wonderful food that would be served.

Starting the day before, my mother would
Bake the pies for Thanksgiving dinner…so
The sweet smell of pumpkin baking was the
aroma that hit your nose when
I came home from school.

My mother also made apple strudel….it was
A family favorite. Oh what I wouldn't give for
One slice of her strudel. I can made it but it's
Not like Mom's.

I remember the huge turkeys that were cooked.
I don't think they even grow that big anymore.
First thing in the morning the "bird" was started.
I don't think there is a better smell
than a roasting Turkey.

Those memories bring tears to my eyes.
Mom and Dad have been gone many years.
The house I grew up in, is gone.
So it's more than a little lonely at the holidays.

Then the unthinkable happened.
Jason went to Heaven. So every Thanksgiving And
Christmas there is an empty chair sitting at our table.

There are empty places at our table
most nights, but none Feels
as empty as when the holidays roll around.
The chair is empty….the dishes are empty…
and so is My heart.