I have a hard time writing about Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. As long as I can remember, all my extended family gathered together at my grandparents’ house to eat, laugh, play games, sing and play instruments, and just be family and friends. My Granny Helen insisted that it was important to get everyone together, and we did—each Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. For me, it was not a dreaded-mandatory-family-fun event. I loved the stories, the laughter, the genuine acceptance I found there. People always brought their extended family and friends along, and we were a huge, motley, loud crew most of the time. Precious and beautiful.
The last couple years we haven’t made it back for Thanksgiving. Our Arizona family still gets together as much as they can, and I see the pictures and cry. Our Oklahoma and Texas family will get together, and I will see the pictures and cry. Aunt Nancy will photoshop me and my crew into the pics, which will make me laugh.
This year, we are getting together here with a few of our Virginia family and friends—neighbors and chaplain friends—people we love dearly who share our lives. For that I am thankful. I hope they will forgive me if a tear slips down my cheek as I cut Granny Jane’s fire cracker tortilla snackers, spoon out the sweet potato casserole or forget the Larkins’ Lemon Fluff in the refrigerator.
I really am so thankful—today and every day for everyone God has placed in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!