November is the time of year we in America give thanks to the creator of the universe for all we have been given. In my generation giving thanks was more prevalent than it is now. We were thought that all the good we had was given to us by God. That it was His hand that gave us the ability to work and get wealth. That nothing was handed to us on a platter and if times were sparse we should give thanks anyway and believe that times would get better. As they teach today about the first thanksgiving and the pilgrims coming over on the mayflower; we were taught the same and that if it weren’t for the native people our ancestors might not have survived those first years.
It seems that today that part is not talked about so much. Emphasis is given more to a turkey dinner, a parade and football games than to thanking the Lord that we can have these things. This year turned out different for me than what I anticipated. With dealing with our first year without my oldest daughter to family members traveling out of town and to a different state, traditions were up in the air. I was asked to come to my grand-daughter’s house and help fix dinner as I was going to be alone. I agreed and asked if I should bring my roster for the turkey, to free up the oven for the sides. I was told sure and could you make your sweet potato casserole? Then my great-grandson asked if I could make him an apple pie.
The day before Thanksgiving came and my daughter said that they were not leaving town as my son-in-law had Covid and was quarantined for a week. I had not been around him so we felt it would be all right for me to go to my grand-daughter’s house as planned. I packed up the pie, casserole and roster and headed out. My grand-daughter works nights and is usually pretty tired during the day so I figured the boys and I could fix a passable dinner for her. They are of the age that they like to help.
I got there around 9:30 in the morning and was met at the door with you should have called before you left the house. We don’t need the roster the turkey is almost done. What a surprise I didn’t have to do much of anything, she had everything well in hand. So while she took care of the cooking I spent time with the boys. Then they set the table and after a few delays getting the turkey to cook to the proper internal temperature dinner was served. My daughter came over as she did not test positive and had no symptoms and we had a nice time as a family. The younger ones even indulged us older ones by going around the table and saying what they were thankful for.
Some traditions need to be kept alive to pass on to the younger generation why we celebrate the freedom and bounty we have here. Thanks to phones we were able to contact those that do not live close. And even though it was bitter sweet not being able to talk to my oldest daughter we had a blessed day. My grand-daughter did a wonderful job of fixing the dinner, even though she was tired. The boys came over to our house afterwards to help put up Christmas decorations up so their mom could take a nap.
How did you spend Thanksgiving this year? However you spent the day; did you take time to thank your creator for the privilege and freedom even if you had to be alone. Time marches on, the world keeps turning; what are you thankful for this year.
GOD BLESS
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