The Bakersfield Voice

All > News
Count your blessings: A Thanksgiving essay
Topics:
Posted by nwv_admin Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:24:00 PST
Viewed 296 times
0 responses 0 comments For all of that -- give thanks.

Construction paper turkeys cut using stubby child-safe scissors from the outline of pudgy hands, creamy green bean casserole and the memories of past gatherings come to mind.

Last year, my daughter, Julia, and I were invited to share lunch with Julia's childhood friend, Shanna, and her extended family. After picking me up curbside at congested Sky Harbor in Phoenix, Ariz., on Wednesday evening, Julia and I devoured a yummy vegetarian pizza dinner at the 50-year-old Red Devil Restaurant as though it was our last meal.

Stopping on the way to her condo with my luggage still in the trunk, we made a late night trip to the local grocery store.

We focused on purchasing the last-minute ingredients for our contributions to the next day's feast: deviled eggs, green bean casserole, pumpkin pies, apple cider, candied yams and mini crescent rolls.

The next day, upon arriving at the suburban home, we learned that the turkey wasn't ready to be removed from the roaster.

A game of croquet in the backyard was suggested to pass the time. The rules repeatedly changed as the 20-something brothers vied to orchestrate the game, until one of their wives called, "uncle." It was then announced that in the future all rules needed to be posted on the fence for everyone to abide by.

It was a Martha Stewart moment, as the mixture of four families gathered around the wooden picnic tables decorated with Gerber daisies and fresh cranberries floating in clear glass vases on white linen tablecloths.

Following blessings, Shanna's newphew, Tyler, resembling Harry Potter in his owlish glasses, solemnly read his school composition:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for making me happy when I was sad.

I am thankful for making me smart.

I am thankful for you, Mom.

I'm thankful for you, Dad.

I'm thankful for making me warm.

I'm thankful for food.

I'm thankful for clothes.

For all of that.

There is one comic book on the back -- you both can share it.

From Tyler


Amen, for all who give thanks. Thanks for life, friendship, family, good food and togetherness.

As thoughts of this blessed day cause my eyes to mist, I hum the hymn, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one" while reaching for Tyler's comic book.

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation