Very special memories and very special thoughts...the holidays are not only for spending time with our families that are here but remembering those we loved who are no longer with us. As we were making Thanksgiving dinner we discussed how much we still missed relatives, and I thought about my friend who lives in Vegas. Her 53 year old old husband had unexpectedly died three weeks ago. I made a mental note to call her on Friday.

Before I had the chance to do that, I received a call. My cousin's 15 year old adopted son shot and killed her last night (Thanksgiving night). What should be a joyful time of year seems to not be turning out that way. We are always so bewildered when we hear about this stuff on the news. It's so different when it's your own family.

Trish