I get so many comments and questions about my avatar. My smile seems to be the subject of most of the comments. Some like it, some don't. Here is the complete unedited photo. I will explain my smile that day.

It was Thanksgiving day after we had finished dinner. My mom comes every year the day before and we cook and prepare all day for the meal the next day. Often one or both of my boys will join us. They don't help much, in fact they are completely annoying, but my mom and I love it, and the day before is just as fun as the day of Thanksgiving.

In the few years preceding this my mother had numerous surgeries. Esophagus surgery, spinal surgery at the neck, stints put in, rectal surgery, and now right before this holiday she had to have knee surgery. This was the first one that I was not able to bring her home and help her recover. She had to be in the nursing home for 2 weeks to receive proper therapy. This was very depressing for her, and I went there every night to have dinner with her. She got sprung 2 days before the Holiday.

We were so happy for her to be out. She wasn't able to help much this year. She usually makes her homemade buns, but this year she had to coach me through it. It didn't matter, it was just nice to have her there, and that is why, I have such a big smile on my face in my avatar.