I used to put on my Mom's sweater

I went from a corporate finance gig in NYC to moving back down south for a girl and then stayed to help out with family. It got down to my Mom's last year of life and she was living in skilled nursing care. She used to be the nicest person in the world until she got hit hard with dementia. They could barely dress her and then they would turn the cold air on high leaving her freezing. She needed her sweater/jacket. 

So every morning, 7 days a week I would come to visit my Mom with my Dad where she was immobile in a wheelchair due to breaking her hip and would gently put on her sweater. 90% of the time she wouldn't fight me and the nurses were amazed, but 10% of the time she would throw a swift punch to my face or body. Not like a little tap, a boxers punch - no f'ing around.

So I'd get her sweater on and she would immediately be warm and happy and would she would kiss the top of my hand. All was good in the world. 

This Thanksgiving I think about the most meaningful moments. The moments that shaped me as a man. Thankful moments. Blessed moments. Moments of glory. Moments of pain.

And then I think one of the most important things I ever have done in life was put on my Mom's sweater. She couldn't do it. The nurses couldn't do it without having a huge fight. My Dad couldn't do it. There was a special presence between my Mom and I.

Enjoy this Thanksgiving with your family, lads and ladies. You never know when it will be the last. Drink a little too much. Eat that dessert. Share those memories. Take lots of pictures. Don't drink and drive. God Bless ya'll.