I looked back at my posts for Thanksgiving 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Each Thanksgiving was quite different, but all held the same sentiment which was that it was wonderful to sit down with friends and family with gratitude for what we had and the togetherness we enjoy. Thanksgivings past represent pre-COVID and post-COVID Thanksgivings, Thanksgivings at home and Thanksgivings elsewhere, and Thanksgivings with many and Thanksgivings with a few. Turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, stuffing, onions, cranberry sauce, breads, delicious desserts and special drinks made up the menu each year. As more and more family members embrace a vegetarian diet, the vegetarian dishes have become more plentiful, and as the children grow older, their contributions to the Thanksgiving Day meal become more significant, special, and welcome. Other mainstays of the holiday include outdoor adventures, games including Scrabble, watching football, telling stories, laughter, giving toasts, saying grace, and catching up with one another in lots of ways.
This Thanksgiving will find us celebrating with a mix of my family, my husband's family, and my daughter-in-law's family. There will be no young children this year as it will be an adult affair with people ranging in age from 22 to 92--that's a good 70-year span. Sixteen people will sit at the table including 10 men and 6 women. The party will be made up couples and singles. Sadly we'll remember my mom and nephew Joseph who passed away this year, and likely bring in other family members via FaceTime to sing Happy Birthday to our beloved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.
As much or more than any other Thanksgiving, I find myself filled with tremendous gratitude today. Gratitude that I have such a large and loving family; gratitude for my warm and welcoming home; and gratitude for the good life I've had thanks to the love and care of so many over time. My parents were devoted to me and my siblings. My extended family, neighbors, friends, and colleagues also cared for me in countless ways. For the greater part of my life, I've been surrounded by lots of love, support, and care. The most difficult aspects of my life have mostly been related to cultural norms and practices at work and the community that were hurtful, disrespectful, compromising, and insensitive. I'm sure I'm not alone in experiencing this since the greater culture and cultural norms are often too narrow minded, exclusive, and insensitive thus leaving people out, mitigating the great potential we hold as a people, and negating the good possible. We all can work to better that aspect of living in order to enrich and lift lives.
So as I think about this Thanksgiving and those to come, I want to welcome my friends and family with acceptance, love, and care. I want them to know that I'm grateful for their presence in my home today and I want us to take our time and enjoy each other's company as we share foods, stories, laughter, and care.
People will gather mid afternoon, and we'll eat the Thanksgiving feast late afternoon. All are invited to stay to watch the football game, play games, or simply relax. Tomorrow we'll plan a hike and eat leftovers. It will be a traditional American Thanksgiving Day, one I wish for every American to celebrate in ways that represent who they are and what they believe to be a good celebration for they and their loved ones. Onward.