This year is a turning point in our lives.
Its not a huge milestone or at least a notable one - but the setting has changed. In this our 18th year of celebrating this holiday, my wife and I have managed to take over as hosts of Thanksgiving, seemingly a bridge between our families and some dear friends as we gather in our home for this annual celebration of American tribute, recollection and thankfulness.
My parents who have moved from what I consider my hometown are coming back to celebrate with us, my wife’s family and a dear friend who has mutually found a source of comradery in both families, one of my two sisters who is local is also joining us to celebrate and partake in the feast.
My memories of this day are lead primarily by my mother’s family and our time in my grandma’s home who meticulously prepared our banquet growing up until I was in my 20s. She gave way to my mom and aunt who teamed up for several years to make the traditional fair. Lately or at least for the last 12 years or so its a team effort divided by my father-in-law endeavoring to fry the fowl, my mother making some of the veggies and stuffing, my wife contributing various savory sides, my mother-in-law baking the desserts and myself with a signature cranberry sauce and occasional green bean or other roasted dish.
This year follows mostly what we have done for the last dozen years except venue. But its this venue change that has me reflecting on the years gone by and hoping for more in the years to come. While the house that my parents lived and hosted our holiday is now a memory, the love that grew it into the cherished locus for feasting - will be held in a new craddle - one we hope to fill with the memories and love that made the last 18 and more so meaningful.
I love getting to this holiday because it means I can reminisce about my love and the family we have created. Its a time that I get to find comfort in the memories of my grandma Cheryl (who is 97 this year) and my grandpa Royce who has spent the last 19 in a far greater place. It also allows me the memories of spending this holiday with my cousins - Emily, Jenny, Beth and Abby, Molly, Isaac, Erin, Anna and Elijah - my aunts and uncles - Kathryn, Jim, Chuck, Patty, Tina and Phil - even though we don’t see or talk much - the memories are still there and the love along with it.
As I end this entry - I want to wish you all a happy end to 2024 and a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a wonderful time to gather around a table or just even just a plate, enjoy a meal, honor God and his provision, and hold hands and be in fellowship with a loved one, two or more if possible.
Happy Thanksgiving.