Thanksgiving is almost here, reminding me of the many reasons I have to be thankful.
- My family is happy, healthy, and growing!
- I have a job (no small thing in this economy) working with people I like.
- My books are selling well at Amazon *happy dancing*
- I have a long list of stories I can’t wait to write.
All in all, 2011 has been–and continues to be–a very good year.
Thanksgiving itself will be a little quiet this year. Only one of our children will be in the area, but we’re looking forward to a peaceful visit with him.
That’s the thing about family holidays, they’re all about the memories. The ones you’re currently making, the ones that will be made in the future, and the precious treasure of memories of times and people long past.
The Thanksgivings of my childhood will not come again, but I remember them vividly. Days of preparation…once-a-year culinary delights…the family and extended family arriving…the house crammed with people–some well-known, some virtual strangers…the sights…the smells…the tastes…the excitement of having 25 or 30 family members sitting around the table. Snowy white linens, polished silver, gleaming china. Dad presiding over the meal; Mother flushed with pride (and a little exhausted) at having gotten everything ready–all at the same time. Everyone chatting and laughing and enjoying excellent food and equally good fellowship. Okay, perhaps there were a *few* squabbles among the younger cousins, but who could really fight when pie and ice cream were anticipated?
Yep. It was a different era. Not sure I’d want to go back, but I remember it fondly.
Dinner for three will be just as precious and just as memorable…but very different.
However your holiday shapes up, savor the uniqueness that only 2011 can bring…and treasure the new memory. After all, isn’t that what life is? A chain of sparkling moments tied together by love.
