Best Thanksgiving Ever

The Army let me go home from Fort Sill, OK to Tempe, AZ for 4 days during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Here's what I'm especially thankful for.

1. Good Friends along the Whole Way:  From the moment I signed out at Fort Sill, through the airports, on the phone, at Thanksgiving Dinner, out shopping, and back to Fort Sill, I found the nicest people everywhere I turned. I believe to know who you are, don't look in the mirror, look at your closest friends. Using that definition, hey, I'm in pretty good shape!
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2. Orthodox Christianity:  Divine Liturgy Thanksgiving morning was a real blessing. Archbishop Antony, Bishop Daniel (a former Army chaplain, I learned), the one-and-only Father James Coles, candle lights, incense, the icons (especially Jesus, the Theotokos, St Ignatius, and the St Michael, the Archangel), the saints all around us, a pretty good-sized congregation, and Communion! I really, really missed the Orthodox services. Thanks for having this one especially for me... Well, actually, in celebration of Archbishop Antony's ordination, but still, it was a special service. And Vespers Saturday night followed by supper at Wildflower. Ah, memories.

3. The wide open Sonoran desert:  Thanks to Pat, Cristie, Linda, and Lauren (the only person I know who can read Russian literature while rounds are going downrange) for coming out with us Friday morning so Gunner could shoot one more time! Then, later, Christmas shopping and helpful prodding from Cristie for Lauren to visit Fossil to look at a Christmas watch. Nice selection, I might add. That was easy. And pizza and Fat Tire beer. Thanks, Pat.

4. Real Shopping Malls:  Oklahoma may be OK but Arizona has better weather and much better places to find Linda's Christmas ring and Gunner's "surprise" .22 pistol. On sale, no less. Christmas shopping accomplished. You guys can handle the rest.

5. Gate Passes for Families of Deploying Soldiers:  Thanks to Debbie, we got to spend a few more hours together once American Airlines let the family go to the gate. That was really special. I needed those minutes.

6. Grandma Pedersen:  What a special visit. That part of the trip was my greatest fear. If anything could go wrong, it would be that. Even though she was in the hospital and my extended family didn't tell me, our visit went very well. She was coherent, sharp, and very complimentary. Sure do love her. Hope I'm that crazy when I'm old... but keep me out of the Veteran's Hospital. Right, Gunner? You promised to break me out. Gives me something fun to look forward to!

7. Finally, the "Tiger", the "Tornado", and the "Mother Bear":  Or should I say estrogen (xx), testosterone (xy), and the X-factor. (See, I did learn something from Genetics class.) Such a relaxing and enjoyable visit. You're the best family ever!

Thanks to everyone for a special holiday visit.

I'll cherish those days.


(L to R: Chris, Lauren, Gunner, and Linda)