Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

                As children, we were taught to say please and thank you as a matter of good manners. Then aw we get older, thanks takes on a more meaningful role beyond being polite, it’s about giving thanks. Thanksgiving became an official Federal holiday in 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." It seems appropriate President Lincoln enacted this holiday given the brutality and carnage suffered on American soil as Americans took up arms against one another. At the end of the Civil War, there was much to be thankful for as our country's union was once again whole.

Since then there have been many conflicts on the world stage. However, Thanksgiving is the one holiday when we step back and give thanks for our past, present and future with family and friends. For me, Thanksgiving is filled with memories of good food, jokes and stories shared with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and family friends. I often smile when I think of the spirited conversations about the state of the world with a few embarrassing funny moments shared by relatives. The levity of those years reminds me of when life was a bit lighter.

When I got married and had my own family, we made our own family traditions. My late husband and son were at the center of what I was thankful for. They added color, life, love, levity, warmth and comfort to my life and the sense of security I felt growing up. We had our own traditions and now that my dear husband is gone, I am making new traditions with my son, daughter-in-law and new found friends here in Virginia. My friends from New York will always be a part of my life and will likely venture to Virginia to share their Thanksgiving Day with me.

Thanksgiving was born of a turbulent time in our history and that’s something to keep in mind if you find yourself arguing over small things such as who is going to make the turkey or dressing. We need to honor those who gave their lives and fought to reunite our fractured country. We owe it to them.

Thanksgiving happens at the right time before we get pulled into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s the moment we can take a breath, enjoy good food, and watch football, gossip around the kitchen table. More importantly, we should take time to remember those who aren’t with us there physically, but are never far away from our thoughts and hearts. Though it can be sad at times, it’s a true blessing to know they’ll live on in our hearts. Initially, it will bring out tears that will turn to happiness as we walk down memory lane of all the special times we had together. It’s a warm blanket around our hearts to soothe and let us know that everything will be all right.

I encourage you to keep that in mind while you plan the menu. Include some oldies but goodies from your mother or grandmother’s recipes for a taste of the past. Also try something new on the menu to add a bit of je ne sais quoi. Most of all don’t give in to feelings of despair over the people who aren’t here anymore. They’d want you to go on celebrating. While they were next to you at the table, they wanted only the best for you and just because they’re not there physically anymore, they still want you to be happy. With good health, friends and family I have a lot to be thankful for and I am sure you do too.

Happy Thanksgiving all.