So Much to be Thankful For

by Sandy Milne

Quick, what were you doing two weeks ago?  Me?  I was celebrating Thanksgiving.

I stopped in at M&M Meats to buy some Oktoberfest sausages.  I added some cabbage rolls in memory of my mother and some garlic bread for my youngest grandchild.  I didn’t think once about whether I was close to the limit on my credit card, or if there would be money in the bank to pay the bill when it arrived.

I headed out to TJ’s Farm Fresh for potatoes and pumpkins and garlic and more.  They sell only what they grow on their farm.  I was glad to be well within the 100-mile limit.  It didn’t occur to me to worry about whether the soil on the farm had been polluted by nearby mining operations.

Next it was Zehrs, for some not-so-local delicacies.  Of course, the shelves were well stocked.  Why wouldn’t they be?

All this buzzing around, in a car that is reliable.  Better fill up at Esso.  No supply chain issues there, and no lineups.  Easy, peasy.

On Saturday, one family arrived to stay for a couple of nights.  They complained about the traffic tie-ups.  But it was all volume.  It was NOT checkpoints. Nor snipers.

Sunday morning I went to Mass.  And there WAS Mass.  And there were no security guards.  Or gun lockers.

Sunday afternoon 8 of us gathered for turkey and all the trimmings.  The stuffing was a total failure.  But there really wasn’t room for it on the table anyway.  Soooo much food!

We paused after the main course to let things settle so there would be room for dessert.  That gave time for a call with the family who lives 3 time zones away.  Time to share smiles and stories.  Everyone was glad to talk to everyone else.  Amazing!

After supper we packaged up the leftovers.  Each family had enough turkey for at least 4 more servings.  I was worried about finding enough containers and room for them all in the fridge.  Other people IN MY COMMUNITY were worrying about what they would eat tomorrow.

Monday, everyone returned home and things went back to normal.  Unfortunately.  I realize I need to celebrate Thanksgiving a bit more intentionally, extendedly, inclusively. 

I have soooo much to be thankful for.  What about you?