Having Isabella away at college made he house kind of lonely. I had lost my little girl for a time, but it was an integral part of her life in order for her to "spread her wings" and fly a bit.

Liam was busy with football, as it was fall once again. He had lettered his freshman and sophomore year, and this year would be no different. He was slated as the season favourite to be an All-Area star running back and slot receiver. During the course of his short career, he had caught eighty passes for an average of sixteen yards per catch and had rushed for over 3,000 yards.

Bella was busy at school and would soon have to declare a major. To my surprise, she picked economics, with a Spanish and computer science minor. She had stated that she might even follow in her father's footsteps. I could see her in the top of her class and working on Wall Street not far in the future. Better than Sally Krawcheck? Perhaps.

We kept in touch via email daily as I was interested in her progress. I probably asked too many questions; as mothers do, but she was kind enough to give me bi-weekly updates when she called home and I got a brief synopsis daily by email.

She was taking Spanish III, Economics of Micro-loans, C++, Java, Cold-Fusion, and Entrepreneurship. I knew she had it in her to start a small business or her own financial advisory practice in Asheville, but I encouraged her to join a mid-size to large firm to gain experience. Morgan Keegan had just been bought out by Raymond James, but at least they had a regional hub in Nashville, Tennessee, one of my favourite places to visit. We ad gone shopping at Thanksgiving there many times.

The fall quickly turned into winter, and Isabella brought her roommate home for Thanksgiving dinner. Since she lived in Nebraska, it was hard for her parents to fly her home for the holidays. We were happy to host, and she was more than glad to have a "family atmosphere" for the holiday.

It had been a long time since I cooked the Thanksgiving meal, and once again my thoughts turned to Brady. He was an excellent cook and usually did a Turk-duck-en. Having not the skills or ability to match this feat, one from Harris Teeter would have to do.

We did; however have a tradition of saying what we were thankful for. Liam was thankful for the time off of school. Isabella was happy to be home, and Emma was happy to have a place and family to celebrate the holiday with.

Paul had not called in a while, but he phoned me on Thanksgiving day. He was ready to fly across the country and reunite with me in my family. As I stood by the kitchen island on the phone, I could hear the excitement in his voice and I was encouraged by his eagerness to visit. He mentioned that real estate sales had been slow and he was ready for a break. He suggested Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. In a swift moment after hanging up the phone, I was ready to pack.

When I hung of the phone, I let out a loud scream. Emma would return to Nebraska, but I invited her anyway. It would be Christmas at Disney for us and Paul.