Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day

As we draw near to celebrating Thanksgiving, I think back and remember the abundance of past Thanksgiving Days and what they meant to me. During the days of my youth, they were so wonderfully important as they are to me now. The memories I have, and great memories they are, began with humble beginnings. I remember Thanksgiving would be filled with celebration, fun and festive moments that brought joy, smiles, and at times laughter, to both young and old alike.

Each Thanksgiving Day began with a community parade lined with marching bands from the local and surrounding areas, wonderful floats, social groups, and other entries, that paraded till they had reached the local high school. Afterwards, with the crowd emotions joyfully raised, were brought higher with the highlights of the homecoming festivities, the football game, crowning of the homecoming queen, and of course the battle of bands. As the day wore on, the neighborhood homes began to fill with family members and friends, each carrying something delicious to enjoy at the dinner table. While we watched the flow of people into and out from the homes near to my parents’, their home began to receive family and friends from near and far, including some that hadn’t visited since a previous Thanksgiving or more. Nevertheless, we all knew we were about to enjoy another blissful gathering. But in order for the family jamboree to come off as a hit for everyone attending, the food preparation had to begin days earlier.

Mom began her portion of the cooking days before the start of the festivities by creating cookies, cakes and pies of all flavors for everyone to select a favorite to enjoy, while dad would prepare mixed greens, the ham, the turkey, potato salad and, of course, assist mom with the dressing and giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, and peas. Only after putting in the last touches would they join some of the festivities, but their heart’s desire was in making the family feast memorable for everyone. We were often reminded of and thanked God for the many blessings of health, family, and community but, this day, it was set aside to pause to say thank you God for all He has done to keep us safe, together, and out of harm’s way. Have these times left us?

Today, I heard the phrase, ‘we are not going back to the past’. Instead, we are encouraged to move forward, because the past is the past, never to come again. Then again, there are times when a look back propels us to where we want to be tomorrow – a better person. The love given and received from those we knew and loved in the past, those who have passed on were invaluable, for they aided us when new acquaintances were realized as newfound friends. All greeted with a smile and the opportunity to share what they have with what you have. Yes, looking back to those times, provides me hope that we too can return to the time where the welfare of the individual was most important, and what is important? 

I am thankful for the country I was born in. I am thankful for the parents God chose for me. I am thankful for a God who has created me uniquely and wonderfully and there is no mold. I am thankful for the siblings I have, they, who taught me many things needed in life through their experiences of living.  I am thankful for genuine love shown among the families in my community.  I am thankful for how my community has changed and is indicative of all people, each helping each other and others.

I desire not only to look back but to go back to times when I was an individual free to think and believe.  I look forward and continue to meet people who become part of my community, even if our views differ, we can continue to grow and learn from each other. I am thankful to have such wonderful memories and will not suppress them for someone’s irrational irritation, for every memory is a teaching moment – a reminder of who I was, and who I want to be. We are individuals. 

Think over your memories. They may be different but yet the same. For as long as we breathe, we can change what we can and accept the things we cannot.

Happy Thanksgiving.