Yesterday was the first major holiday my family celebrated since my mom passed away. It's fitting that it was Thanksgiving, the day we're supposed to thank the Lord for all He's done this past year. Scripture doesn't have a category for only one day of thanksgiving. Every day, every moment, we are called to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever. And yet, it's good to have a special day set aside to be thankful. I didn't feel like giving thanks yesterday. As we sat around our table with a feast on our plates, the empty chair across from me deepened the ache in my heart. My mom was supposed to be there. Her infectious smile, her boisterous laugh, her words of wisdom that always pointed to Jesus - all gone. I know where she is. She's not lost. Her voice has joined the chorus of saints and angels praising the Lord, but I want her back here. I want her back in our home. My dad, brother, and I sat on the porch after the meal, our ...