I kind of referenced this in the drinky thread but she deserves her own thread outright. Melinda. She was my sister's mother-in-law. Most MIL's, including my own, come on...they're a pain in the ass. They're annoying. they are just the worst, admit it.

Not Melinda. one of the kindest, sweetest people you'd ever meet, and have a beer with. and for serious, she'd have a beer with you. and a smoke. i used to bum marlboro reds off her years ago. she fucking smoked reds, man. she was the best.

spent over the last decade's worth of thanksgivings with this family. a tradition was always playing arlo guthrie's "alice's restaurant".

Melinda made the dinner, including that weird sweet potato in the orange peel thing. could never get into that.

She was a huge "Survivor" fan. We talked about it when I watched it. we always had our favorites, and gossip.

she listened to my problems. she met my wife. she was always up last on thanksgiving nights whenever i stayed over, because they live in bumfuck, illinois. her and her husband. just the coolest people.

the last time i saw her was about a month and a half ago, and she was frail as a skeleton. it was cancer. but she never let that beat her. she left with a smile, and said she couldn't wait to see us again.

it's a drinky night...and it's all dedicated to her. rest in peace, melinda. you deserve it.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Anything orange, squash, or root sucks but people keep bringing it.

I'm sorry you lost somebody that you will miss. I hope your memories bring happiness and comfort rather than hurt or sadness.

thanksgiving became a great tradition because of this family. it was just a football holiday before that. it became a family holiday thanks to them.

Everything happens for a reason.

_________________
-- source

Sorry to hear that, Zack. My condolences to you, and your family.

_________________
Good people drink good beer - Hunter S. Thompson

<º)))><

Waiting for the time when I can finally say
That this has all been wonderful, but now I'm on my way

Sorry to hear, Z.

_________________

Sorry about your loss.

_________________
favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

well that sucks...

_________________
Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

thanks for the sentiments, all.

family/friends are gathering down near lake holiday for a celebration of life. that's what she would've wanted. she wouldn't want to be mourned, she'd want people to party in her name.

I am very sorry

_________________
"I honestly don't see a good bet on the board here."