Here in America Thanksgiving Day is to commemorate that first Thanksgiving centuries ago. I recall in grade school we’d draw pictures of Pilgrims and turkeys and Indians; corn and cornucopia and autumn leaves. Plymouth Rock. Mother, Walt and I would gather at my Grandmother’s house for traditional Turkey dinner; mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, green beans, dressing and cranberries. Pumpkin pie. The smell from the kitchen sublime. We could hardly wait to sit down and eat. The table set so lovely and nice with Grandma Viv’s Vernon Ware. Memories happy and sweet.
Youthful days pass away. Then, happily ever after married life, and children of my own; Gavin and Garrett. Tradition carries on. Now including Patsy’s Pumpkin bread and my husband’s favorite, Cornbread dressing. Card games, football games, Mom reading a favorite poem aloud, and family prayer giving thanks.
We all have something to be thankful for. Another day of life, and love.
The past. Our dear ones gone before us. So very much a part of us. Forever. Wherever we go. Whatever we do.
The present. Our beloved family still here, and the great blessing they are. Trusted lifelong friends, and new friends found - to share, and help shape our character.
The future. Of whom we shall become. Hope in the promise of eternity, and God’s Divine Providence
To give thanks for this moment. For this time. For this place. For what was; for what is to come. And always God’s tender mercies, His great grace.
***Thanksgiving 2021. An empty chair for my dear Mother and Gary. For my brother, Walt. Their presence never to be forgotten or wiped away. Only sadness at them not being here. But joy in remembering who they were, what they brought in being near .
Thanksgiving.
Such lovely sentiment Kathy. So very special and we can all hold our lovely memories close especially on the days we gather and they can only be with us in our hearts, but thankful that we were part of their lives and they ours.
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