So many turkeys

Last Thursday the basted, stuffed and roasted turkeys of the world were honored guests all over the United States. (I'm meaning the birds we gathered to eat - not the eaters of the birds.) Families, friends, strangers, gathered in dining rooms, shelter kitchens, church halls - fancy tables, fold up banquets and card tables all groaned under the feast prepared by cooks of every kind and color.

At the gathering I was fortunate enough to attend, I marveled at the love shared, the angst that might have been present but well hidden, the pasts to be remembered fondly, the pasts to be regretted - though unspoken, the futures to be cherished. We were a group of 12 from teen years to almost the 80's and for whatever reasons we felt it was a good thing to gather. We shared stories, memories, aspirations, compliments, laughing and delicious food. Many of us knew a lot of the history around the table, some of us knew little of the history represented there. But from wherever we came or knew about each other, we found ourselves suspended in the "turkey time" of good will and thanksgivings.

I like to think Thanksgiving might be one holiday where families and friends gather with ease rather than anxiety. I have not always felt that way. It took me many years to shed the anxiety part and to be comfortable with everyone pitching in with whatever contribution they wanted to make and to not feel slighted or worried if something was missing from the menu or the place settings! To accept everyone's input as special, to accept everyone's side-dish as delicious, to accept everyone's presence as the very reason we were gathered to share and give thanks.

I hope your Thanksgiving was one of warm bread, smooth mashed sweet potatoes and sincere thanksgivings for all of those at your table or in your heart.





Photo - SS Before the Feast