It was a very special day! On Saturday, our entire (albeit small) family gathered for the afternoon to celebrate Thanksgiving. It has become our tradition to do it the weekend prior to the actual holiday, allowing the varying family segments to be off with the inlaws and other halves of their families on Thanksgiving Day.
It had been a touch and go week, as far as keeping the clan healthy and well enough to celebrate. And, celebrate, we did! We started the day with cocktails and apps at my brother’s and then went to a local restaurant who indulged us with a private room and delicious meal. For the “cocktail one and a half hours” each of us contributed our assigned specialties; Dad brought his secret recipe Whiskey Sours. He’s been doing them for quite some time now, and even folks who don’t like whiskey sours enjoy these!
But it was not all about the food and the liquid refreshment, as good as it was. When you looked around the room, you saw the smiles. You felt the spirit of family. The seven youngest (Dad’s great grandchildren) got re-acquainted, and the adults had the opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives. Mom was missing, having passed away a few years ago, but her spirit was there, too. One could not help but think that, even in these troubled times, there was much to be thankful for. You can’t put a price on the sense of well-being, security, appreciation and love that a gathering like this can muster. It saddens me to think of families that are estranged and/or apart. I wish they could feel the wave of emotion that comes and stays, and heartens your life and your being.
I hope everyone who reads this post finds much to be thankful for on their Thanksgiving Day, no matter what the venue for their gathering. And may we all continue to look for ways to show our thankfulness, and spread the spirit to others who are more challenged to find it whatever be the reason.
Share with us – what is it you’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving? We’d love to celebrate the goodness with you!
