This is the Way WE Say THANK-YOU!

It’s that wonderful time of year where we think of all the many things in our lives that we are thankful. November marks the onset of the holiday season, where gratitude, cheer, joy, and giving become first in our lives for family, friends, and even those we do not know. What a beautiful time to see everyone so happy and aware of the many blessings that we have in our lives. The old year is winding down, and anticipation of renewal of a new and better year awaits in each of us. Thinking back over the many years in my life, I can recall so many of the sweet Thanksgiving holidays spent with family. Surrounded by love, smiles, and food seemed to make each of us realize just how special it is to be a part of a loving family. Many of those loved ones have gone on to Heaven, but their memories linger preciously in our hearts and minds forever. So many families have their own way of celebrating Thanksgiving. Tradition forms the very fiber of our lives, and doing those things that we have done for years gives us comfort and satisfaction that everything is okay, even in this busy world we live. Some of the traditions of my family have passed down from generation to generation in the forms of recipes and gathering for dinner together each year. I personally will always cherish growing up in a big family, where not only were my siblings around, but even their children ( my nieces and nephews), cousins, and even friends joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. The food was abundant and deliciously made with love. Plates were full and heavy with piles of turkey, ham, dressing, greens, candied yams, potato salad, cornbread, and yes, even Chitterlings. It seemed that no one worried about time or calories back then. We ate good [yes, the word choice is grammatically wrong here], and we spent time together cherishing each moment as if it were our last. My wish is for families to return to those special moments. If we think back to our ancestors who often worked very hard every single day, they took moments like Thanksgiving to enjoy the leisure and love of one another. Time and days were not longer back then; time was just less important when we were around those we care about. So this Thanksgiving, enjoy the 4 F’s: Family, Friends, and Fellowship, and Food! This is the way we say thank you! Sitting in a slightly crowded room with a plate of good food in your lap, laughing and loving those who mean the most can never be given back once that day is gone. This is the way WE say Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!