Once a year I feel totally justified in waxing sentimental. When I was younger I was part of a large extended family, and Thanksgiving was spent in much the same way that other Americans spent theirs: kids running around, moms, aunts and grandmoms in the kitchen cooking (and nipping on wine), dads, uncles and granddads playing cards, working on cars, BSing (and drinking beer). All that ended for me in 1974 when my grandmother died and our family began to slowly disintegrate. Finally, by 1993 it was all over with my dad's death, and between then and 2000 I don't even remember Thanksgiving without not-so-vague feelings of being a kind of orphan.When, in 2000 Nettl and I joined our lives and our immediate families, I was given the greatest gift I've ever received: five kids (she has three and I have two). They're all grown now, ranging from 17 to 39. I cannot imagine where I'd be without my family, and when I try to, I cannot imagine being even remotely happy. Tomorrow, we'll all be together, the seven of us, and we'll be doing what many other American families will be doing: cooking, talking, making music, laughing, and eating. I'm relishing every minute; who knows when this will happen again? Soon enough it will be partners and children, and over-crowded schedules.
This year I'm thankful for my family and the way we enjoy each other, and pull together. I'm also thankful for the generosity of friends, who allow me the blessing of relaxing and enjoying the day without worries of where the food will come from. Bless you.
And bless all of you. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
"I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."
M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H
"A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men,
women, an occasional animal, and the common cold."
Ogden Nash (Hope you feel better soon, Nathan)
women, an occasional animal, and the common cold."
Ogden Nash (Hope you feel better soon, Nathan)
"And thank you for a house full of people I love."
Ward Elliot Hour
Ward Elliot Hour
Have a wonderful day. I'll be thinking of you all while doing what I love: hiking in the woods (and dodging the bullets of crazy deer hunters who might mistake a hiker dressed in blaze orange for a deer! LOL ). Just kidding! :)
ReplyDeleteBe careful!!!
ReplyDeleteI think tomorrow is the best day to go - I think the hunters will probably be at home eating and watching football. I think Friday will be the day they come out in force, while their wives are camped out at the stores.
ReplyDeleteI'm all set - get my blaze orange everything. New trail, new area to explore - can't wait! I've studied the map and will have the map and compass with me. I'll be able to do some off-trail exploring. I'll have my survival kit along with everything else. I like to err on the side of safety, especially since I do so much solo stuff. I'll drop you a line tomorrow night to let you know I got back okay.
We don't do that here but I will be with you in spirit and to celebrate I am going to go out and club an Austrian smoker with my Niblick.
ReplyDeleteYes, having a house full of people to love is a true blessing! Enjoy your gathering, happy Thanksgiving to you and Nettl and all your loved ones!
ReplyDeleteI think tomorrow is the best day to go - I think the hunters will probably be at home eating and watching football. I think Friday will be the day they come out in force, while their wives are camped out at the stores.
ReplyDeleteI'm all set - get my blaze orange everything. New trail, new area to explore - can't wait! I've studied the map and will have the map and compass with me. I'll be able to do some off-trail exploring. I'll have my survival kit along with everything else. I like to err on the side of safety, especially since I do so much solo stuff. I'll drop you a line tomorrow night to let you know I got back okay.