Ramseys

Our family has the tradition of naming our turkey every year.

The name “Ramseys” was chosen this year…in honor of a contractor of ours that resembles “Ramseys” in “Nacho Libre”.

As soon as Ramseys was selected from the vast array of other birds…I knew he was special. 

I began chronicling his life on Facebook.

He was that special.

I wanted to transfer the updates to my blog…so his legacy will be immortalized for my children.

Here is the story of Ramseys:

Dear Family- The bird has been secured. I bought him a candy bar to fatten him up a little bit more before the big day. I buckled him in to ensure his safety. His name is "Ramseys" and he can't wait to meet you. Love, Sarah

Dear Family- The bird is being let out once a day for good behavior. I am worried that he is depressed. He just sits there and doesn't even pedal. Prayers for Ramseys. A depressed bird is not going to suffice.

Dear Family - I overheard "Ramseys" whimpering in the freezer. He begged to warm up for a few minutes. I tucked him in to watch cartoons. After a few minutes he had to be locked up again. He was screaming profanities at the television. "You are a spoiled little sh*t, Caillou!". Though true, this is still unacceptable. He seems to be growing more agitated. Prayers for Ramseys.

Dear Family- It was to be expected. Ramseys made a run for it tonight. He was spotted on I-540 on my Ruckus...wearing Bradley's Christmas jock
strap. Perhaps the nudity is what has him upset. I have decided not to press charges and he has been returned without incident. He is tucked in
the freezer and it is now locked.... Prayers for Ramseys.

Dear Family - Tom couldn't take Ramsey's depression any longer. I came home to find Ramseys tucked under the covers - being read a bedtime story. Tom wasn't sure if Ramsey's chose this book for it's title...or because he felt connected to the author. I am worried Tom is giving him false hope. Prayers for Ramseys. Love, Sarah

Dear Family- I went out to the freezer to check on Ramseys this evening and found him holding a sign. He had a smug look on his face. I think he has plans for a mutiny. Not sure if the beef and chicken are in on it, too. All efforts to calm him are failing. Prayers for Ramseys. Love, Sarah

Dear Family- We came home from vacation a day early to find Ramseys sitting in a towel -covered in water droplets - watching HGTV. Is this a diabolical scheme to expedite his own thawing process to give us food poisoning so he can have the last laugh??? Or is it just good hygiene? Time will tell. Prayers for Ramseys. Love, Sarah

Dear Family- Heard gobbling in the guest room. Stumbled upon this. A neighbor called this morning - said her fridge smells like Ramseys cologne. Suspecting conjugal visits are being arranged for Ramona and Ramseys. Dennis' suspicions confirmed. Ramona's been moved to a locked freezer for a same-day water thaw. Ramseys is sure to retaliate. Prayers for Ramseys.

Dear Family- Took Ramseys to Wal-Mart to say his last goodbyes to his loved ones. They took it hard- but Ramseys told them to keep the faith
that AL Sharpton and the ACLU will come through for him before tomorrow morning. His complaint: Weight Discrimination. He says all of the thin
birds are being spared. Prayers for Ramseys.

Dear Family - I lured Ramseys into the water for a last minute "dip". Despite all of his shenanigans - he remains a bit frozen. He happily agreed to the water bath - but only under one condition....That he be permitted to wear this. His hope runs deep. Prayers for Ramseys.

Dear Family - Ramseys was so relieved when I pulled his neck bone out of his rear end. He told me I could do ANYTHING to him after alleviating that pain. I told him we were going to play "spa". I massaged him with an exfoliating, aromatic, herb butter. He especially loved his thighs being rubbed. I then put him in a foil "wrap" and told him he was going under the heat lamps. He was asleep before I even opened the oven door. Prayers for Ramseys that he doesn't wake up.

            

Dear Family- Tom found this letter tucked under Ramseys wing before he carved him. This explains why we all passed out after dinner. Did he also take a pill that makes you eat when you aren't hungry anymore?....'cuz we all did that, too. Was that not the best Thanksgiving feast ever?? Thanks to Ramseys! The carcass burial will be tomorrow at 2 pm.

 

He was the most delicious bird ever. I suspect it was from all the love and attention he received. His carcass has been prepared for burial. We’ll miss you, Ramseys! Thanks for the best Thanksgiving…ever!

Pay it Forward

It's been awhile...a long time since I have posted. Life has been nothing short of a whirlwind since "the flood". Today is no less hectic, but I have to pause and share what happened to me yesterday.

I woke up and Tom told me that "Today is going to be the best day ever!" This is a daily ritual that I have grown to love. He continued his mantra every day during the flood...I grew weary of it. I was depressed...could hardly crawl out of bed each day...aware of the tears that were ready to spill out of my head at any given moment. Life was in shambles...the kids were not handling the chaos well...and we all just wanted our life back.

Well...yesterday was the FIRST day since the flood that I actually believed him. I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel...had an extra measure of faith poured down on me and was excited to face the day.

My carpet guys came and finished our carpet. The cabinet guys came and hung our cabinets. I went to the granite shop - only to find that ALL of their lighting was on Clearance. I was able to buy 5 exterior lights and two bathroom vanity lights for $300.

The housekeepers were at my house - dusting everything. I decided to bring them lunch...and Courtney, who was at the house with Bryce.

Chick-fil-A was the choice. They told me it would be $35.00 at the next window. I got to the window and the lady said, "The woman in the car in front of you told me to tell you that God loves you and to have a blessed day."

"What!?? It's $35! That's a lot of money!", I said.

"I know...but she paid for it".

"Well let me pay for the person behind me, then", I pleaded.

"Okay...theirs is $3.72", she said.

"Well let me pay for the car behind THEM, too", I said.

"Okay...theirs is $3.12", she smiled.

I quickly realized that this woman had done something for me that I would not be able to repay. I cried all the way home...touched at this random act of service...and the timing of it all. It was the perfect day to be reminded of God's love for me. It was almost like a little pat on the head from Heavenly Father...telling me I was doing a good job for trying to see the good again. It made me want to bless other people's lives more often.

On one of my lowest days during this ordeal...I was sitting in my car in a parking lot of the vet. A man pulled into the spot next to me. I looked over at him and smiled and he just stared at me. Nothing in return. As soon as his back was to me, I broke down in tears.

I had always thought it was cheesy that people would say "Do something for someone else today. Just smile at someone today! You never know how much they might need it."

"Who needs a smile?", I thought to myself. "If their life is going that bad...what's a smile going to do?"

Now I know. I needed it that day. I just needed SOMEONE...ANYONE...to just be kind.

I now want to be that person. I want to leave everyone better than I found them..."giving hope to the weary".

I have learned that when you decide it is going to be a great day...great things come to you. When you face the day with gloom and dread...the same finds you.

"You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach