HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

I just thought of the neatest thing, and I think it might help other ladies who are in my exact situation!
I have been struggling with not wanting to go anywhere for Thanksgiving. I haven't wanted to even go to my children's house, or even have them come here, and I have felt terrible about it, because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I loving getting ready for it. I want to be here in my own home this year. I don't mind getting a bite to eat at someone else's home, but I want be here at home for that day!
I was talking with Maybelle, and she said that a friend of hers had been going to some Hospice grief counseling, for women who had recently been widowed, but that who had also lost a child, and several of them had said they were going through their first holiday without their spouses and didn't want to go anywhere, or have anyone in. They wanted to be at home and in the security of their home! That made so much sense to me! I was suddenly validated in my thinking! Because David had been here for me when David junior died, I now felt his security and closeness at being at home.
Yes, Thanksgiving has always been special to me, but it's because I can be thankful to God for so many blessings. that I don't need to have my turkey and sweet potato casserole this year. I could feel okay about staying home and maybe going to someone's home for lunch that day, and then coming back home because "Home is where the heart is"! Giving a child back to God is the hardest thing that a person will ever be asked to do...... even before losing a spouse! However, God gave me that spouse to help me through that time, and I want a special time now to remember that spouse without all the Turkey trimmings!
I hope my friends and family will understand. I think it makes really good sense!
Becky