Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Gobble..Gobble
It’s almost Thanksgiving and like many of you, I find myself reminiscing about holiday’s past. Turkey day was always my father’s favorite holiday. I’m not sure what about that day made him the happiest: The family gathering together for one special day or that annual “license to eat, and eat and eat.“ My Irish-German grandmother was a terrific cook, as is my French mother. The food was always beautifully displayed, a work of real art and it tasted even better.
The annual trip to Nana’s was an ordeal in itself. We’d pile into the old family Chevy and make the five hour drive from Indianapolis to Chicago. It’s actually only a four hours up there..but back then it took a lot longer. A lot longer! Not sure if the roads weren’t as good back then, or that Dad cruised no higher than 55 mph or maybe our Chevy just didn’t have any power. It seemed to take forever…so long that we had to stop for lunch on the way.
Along with the great food, I always looked forward to hanging out in my grandfather’s basement with my cousin Tommy. We’d break into Grandpa’s work shop and play with his plumbing tools pretending we had a big job to finish before we could eat. I’m sure my grandfather knew we were messing with his stuff…but he never said a word. Looking back, I imagine he enjoyed the laughter coming from his basement and felt fortunate to have his family in the home he worked so hard to provide.
Not until I had a home of my own and was responsible for my own Thanksgiving dinners did I really appreciate all that the women in the family contributed to that special day. So much shopping, chopping and cooking…only to get stuck with all the dishes while the men plopped down their fat bellies in front of the black and white TV for an afternoon of football. At least that part of the holiday tradition still hasn’t changed! When we can get together, the men in my family are still eager to trade-in kitchen clean-up duties for football. But that’s about all that’s stayed the same through the years.
My Nana, grandfather, cousin Tommy and my beloved dad are all gone now as are many others who have held a special place in my life and heart. Although I won’t be able to enjoy the holiday with them or my Dad who loved it so much, it truly fills my heart with joy when I think of them and those Thanksgiving days of the past. The delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the hearthy laughs from the men in the den and the warm hearts that embraced the holiday and each other.
I have so many blessings to count and so many wonderful memories to cherish. My hope for you is that you’ve been equally blessed. Life is truly a gift, a spectacular journey. Give thanks not just for today..but everyday. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.
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