I always wanted to be a gambler. We pitched pennies as kids in the boy’s room, played euchre at parties, and went to the races with my dad. – The word gambler was a badge of honor for some, while others thought it was straight from the Devil’s words. Not me, it was excitement, and a chance to share the action of rolling dice with friends. – The memories last a lifetime.

This time writing and thinking is from a friend. – I asked him what he was doing for Thanksgiving. – I was going to invite him and his wife to my son and I as we enjoy a bachelors feast watching football. Sounded nice, until he trumped my offer with the greatest idea. – They are going to his in-laws the day before and heading down to enjoy a great day of racing at Churchill Downs. – Man, that sure beats the hell out of dinner with two guys watching football. – Great idea. Give thanks for being able to do what you love and spend it with who you hold dearest.

I used to work on Thanksgiving and our meal was always held up until I could get there around 5:30. – Warm house, incredible homemade food, and laughter abound. – Yesterday, we helped Mom sell her house and she moved away. No more glowing light from around the table, or the smell of freshly made bread. Cold, and belonging to someone else now. – Not to cry or bitch. We had decades of a beautiful memories. Time and tide wait for no man. People have ed, the babies grew into adults, and the memories are what this gambler is thankful for.

For some it is a cornucopia of food, and it rarely happens. Hell, my mom cooked like that every day of my life. It is a meal, and a day to to be thankful. – We were thankful every time she called our names to the table. It was a great time to have her as mom being young with your life ahead. – For that, I am thankful for the many years of home cooked meals, laughter, and having her as our mother.

Now, no more goofing around. – Next year, I’m grabbing my son and some friends and making reservations at Churchill Downs for box seats, ten great races, and a wonderful feast we’ll share.  It’s just a meal, and being thankful is the message. Thankful for health, time spent together, laughter, and creating new memories with people we love. How many kids will tell their buddies they went to the track on Thanksgiving? Maybe we’ll alternate between going to the casino one year and the track the next. – Times change for some, and others come up with great ideas like my good friend. Damn! – I sure wish I’d thought of that one. But you can bet your ass I’ll be creating new memories and being thankful from the bottom of my heart. – Thank you for the friends of my youth, friends during college years, the incredible people I have had the great pleasure of working with and sharing an office that looked more like Animal House, and a wonderful son who is my best friend. Damn, I’m a pretty lucky fella. – One more time looking through the windows watching mom make incredible food for us to share. If you had a friend, someone from work, or anyone you wanted to bring was welcome at mom’s table. – It’s just a meal; but giving thanks with people we love is the part to hold tight.

 

Happy Holidays from Winning Ponies!