Welcome November… It is fall at last – Here’s to cooler days (hopefully) and crisp nights, to falling leaves (and lots of raking), past the ghosts and on to the turkey. This is the time of homecoming, feasts, football and sharing. Thanksgiving is the holiday that crosses states and cultures, a day that is celebrated by so many in a variety of ways. It is a day when most people do not have to work and we all pause to enjoy. Whether you have the traditional turkey or whatever tasty delights you prefer, it is the holiday season.
It is in this pause that we can remember, share and make special memories. A favorite of mine took place a few years ago. We were looking at some old photographs, (black and white – antiques I think), of my family. My husband asked “Is that you?”, while looking at a picture of my Mother and Aunt hovering over something on the counter. Expecting to see a very young version of myself, I looked closely at the photo and said, “No Sweetheart, I think that’s the turkey.”
Memories are funny. It is not always the perfect events that are the most memorable and many of the most special ones are created when things don’t go just quite like you expect.
I am fortunate this year to have all my family coming home. (At least that is the plan.) I know many of you with loved ones in the military or with blended or extended families can appreciate that it is not always easy to arrange schedules. But whether you have your Thanksgiving on the traditional fourth Thursday or if it has to be put off a day, or a week or so, this is still a very special season.
So my family and I will take time to give thanks for this wonderful time and season and plan the giving for next month. Enjoy.
— Donna Canales