It was a different kind of Thanksgiving this year, a meal was made but eaten on a tiny space cleared on the cluttered communal table. Yet, we were grateful, full of gratitude for so many things; our daughter about to give birth to her daughter any minute, of course, was on the top of the list.
I’ve been nostalgic of late, coasting down the last six months until the number 70 hits me. I contemplate a lot. I remember large dining tables extended by card tables, and food, “Oh Lawdie “ was there ever more abundant meals? I remember the elders, each year becoming more soft spoken, and the new births – another generation to continue this family.
Times have changed, the world adjusted and here we are, stronger, more resilient and a little separated having survived a pandemic. Although, it feels OK in many respects, it never hurts to remember and pay homage to days gone by.
Memories can fuel a lonely heart. They can also bring wisdom if they are viewed with a realistic eye. Sure, you remember the warm embraces of Thanksgiving days gone by, but I think it is important to remember the not so nice parts that were occasionally part of the celebration. Like a grumpy Uncle seated at one end of the table glaring at another Uncle seated at the opposite end; never speaking or uttering a word due to a long-past slight. Or when the conversation of politics cropped up and alcohol fueled the discussion. Thinking of these ‘unpleasantries’ along with the agreeable one’s help formulate a realistic springboard which leads to feeling more grateful. I know it sounds strange, but whenever one combines the good, the bad and the ugly and sews them all up together, the result is always a feeling of gratitude for what and where you wind-up in the process.
This year was a different kind of festivity for me, and I do hope that next year will be different. I am, however, appreciative of the bounty of love and kindness that is all-around me sent by loving phone calls, text messages and Facebook posts. It is what I have been praying for – the fulfillment of such propelling me forward in my quest for enlightenment. So, if your Thanksgiving was different this year due to circumstance and you are comparing it to days gone by, do so wholly so as to paint a more truthful picture. My bet is that you will feel a lot more grateful having done so, and isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?