The older I get the faster these holidays roll around. When I was a kid it seemed like years between family gatherings and holiday celebrations. When I think back to when I was young I always looked forward to this time of the year. It was a chance to see my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Mom would always begin preparing the Thanksgiving meal a week or so in advance, the table would be set days before the families arrival, and the house would be decorated with little odds and ends presenting to us all that Thanksgiving was only days away. On the eve of this day Mom would begin preparing the Bird. Watching her at work was a thing of beauty. She man handled the bird, beating it, stuffing it and shaping it into a presentation fit for a King. But this was only the beginning; soon I would be watching this chef create other wonders such as pumpkin pie, apple pie, sweat potatoe pie, fresh cranberry sauce, fresh whipped cream, home made bread and so many others. My head would spin and the aromas of the room would ignite the saliva glands to work overtime. I wanted to eat now, the temptation was great, the smells were enticing me to indulge and satisfy the hunger within. Usually at this time Dad would walk in and in an instant stare in my direction and say,”Son, there’s no way you will get first crack at this feast, I am the king, and the King always gets the first taste." He would usually follow this with other threats and promises to calm my hunger and my temptations. It was a time I enjoyed spending with Mom and Dad. Even Dad was like a little kid, trying to get a taste or sample of the food without Mom catching him. But that never worked; she would whack him on the hand with a wooden spoon and he would retreat back to the family room, all upset, defeated in his feeble attempt of a surprise attack.
What great memories! I'm so thankful I have them. Times were not always great in the family but when I look back now the good times always over shadow the bad times. So when you sit down for dinner this Thanksgiving don't be stressed, don't rehash old problems or dwell on some ongoing controversy, that could basically be solved by saying I'm sorry or I forgive you. Let go, move forward and enjoy your Family and friends. Laugh, hug and kiss each other; tell them how much you Love and miss them and then dig in and feast on the wondrous meal in front of you.
