52 Ancestors #48: Almost All Together for Thanksgiving

Last year it was hard to be very thankful on Thanksgiving. My Mom died in September and Dad was fighting for his life at the Duke Medical Center's Neuorsciences ICU unit. My brothers and their spouses and Pete and I had been shuttling to Durham to be with Dad every chance we could get. I made the 4+-hour drive every Friday morning and left on Monday morning for four straight weeks.

With Dad at Duke Neurosciences ICU during Thanksgiving week 2014; personal
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Thanksgiving 2014 found my youngest brother, his wife, Pete and me in Durham at loose ends. The hospital cafeteria didn't appeal as we had eaten more than one too many meals there. A little research informed us Ruth Chris Steak House was open on Thanksgiving and we were fortunate to get a reservation. But it was a hollow kind of holiday affair overshadowed by fear and worry.

This year, while Dad's condition is not what you would wish for anyone, it is stable. And we were almost all together for Thanksgiving. Only my middle brother's youngest son, wife, and son could not join us from San Antonio. We spent the day in New Bern, North Carolina, where my middle brother and his wife live and where Dad's nursing home is located. We got to see him several times.

Visiting Dad on Thanksgiving morning 2015. This is four generations of Jennings:
Dad, my brothers, nephew, and three grand nephews and, finally, a niece; personal
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We had Thanksgiving dinner at the historic Harvey Mansion in a private room and I believe we all enjoyed it and each other's company. Quite an improvement over last year! So I am thankful.

Almost all together for Thanksgiving. We missed you Brad, Randi, and Zeke.
Personal collection

This is my entry for Amy Johnson Crow's 52 ancestors in 52 weeks challenge optional theme Thankful.