Autumn creates a feeling of abundance and love at my house. I have shared what we have grown and raised with family and friends, begun planning for a visit from my granddaughter, and contemplate an early Thanksgiving dinner while she is here.
Since I was an adult with a home of my own, I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner. We moved furniture around so everyone would have a place to sit at the two long banquet tables we put together. Grandma’s table, that now lives in my kitchen, is used for the buffet style meal, along with all the kitchen counters. I do prep cooking for weeks before the actual meal so I can enjoy the company while they are here.
We moved to Arizona in the winter of 2014-2015, leaving a brother and many cousins behind in California. Our son and family came every year for Thanksgiving or Christmas and kept our hearts full. They, like many people in our current economy, cannot make it out this year. I understand, as we too count our pennies to make ends meet each month. Although they won’t be here in person to join us for our annual get-together, they remain in our hearts.
My brother moved here a couple of years ago when his home (our former home) was destroyed by fire. He stayed with us until he was ready to purchase a new home. He has slowly rebuilt his own new home in Taylor and continues to join us for holidays and family dinners. Our sister lives across the country in northern Virginia- too far to come for dinner. We share new and old recipes to keep the connection strong.
While the “Thanksgiving” holiday was originally based on surviving, after conquering our native neighbors, that is not why I continue to celebrate. I consider it a time of sharing what we have with those we care about and those in need. Not just blood family, but community.
My hope for this year is that we can return our country to a land of community and mutual respect, not political parties, not hateful actions and statements, but with kindness and compassion for all we have in common. Save a seat at your table for someone who is alone, going without, or just brings a smile to your face when you meet. I think we may just have two thanksgiving dinners this year- one with Baily, our granddaughter, the first week of November, and another with my community family at the end of the month.
Jackie Daniels, our Bourbon Red Turkey, who was never eaten. Rest in peace, buddy,
Who will you save a seat for at your house?
