Last Thursday night, I settled in to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers battle the Cleveland Browns for the first of two meetings this season. The game was played in Cleveland, and snow was falling as the contest began. Over the course of the next 3 quarters, what started as a light dusting became what the announcers described as snow globe snow. It was a typical lake effect storm. The kind I remember from childhood.
The snow, during the game, reminded me of the times I would go downtown for the Thanksgiving Day parade. And I couldn’t help but remember how dedicated my mom was to this particular holiday. One of her part-time jobs was to cook for other families, so she loved being home to cook for us. Her dinner rolls were the best. But, they were only part of the classic meal she prepared each year. A roasting pan full of stuffing, not including what made it into the turkey, the turkey, greens, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie for dessert.
And that was just the food. My parents always opened our home to someone for the holiday. A friend going through a divorce or grieving the loss of a loved one. New parents who couldn’t imagine cooking and caring for their bundle of joy. Someone from church or work who would otherwise spend the day alone. Sometimes the kids table was just as full as the adult one.
Our meal was not complete until we all shared something we were thankful for. Just before the blessing of the meal and my dad’s carving of the turkey, we would go around the table(s) and say thank you for family, friends, good grades, good times, and especially love. A tradition we have shared with the next generations of Crawfords, Milliners, Adornos and Mbanugos.
This Thursday, whether or not we will celebrate with turkey and all the fixings, or other family traditions, I hope you also take the time to share how you have been blessed. I want to wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving. And Amen.