Mainely Martha

In preparation for this week’s post I had been focused on Thanksgiving; the appetizers, the dinner, and dessert recipes I had to share, the drink recipes I wanted to test and maybe share and then realized hat as much as Thanksgiving revolves around food and drink, I need to pause to be thankful for much more.

There are so many, near and far that are struggling and may not have the holiday that so many of us will. This Thanksgiving will be unlike any other for so many. As a result, I cannot just give thanks on Thanksgiving, but be mindful and appreciative every day for everything and everyone that I am grateful for. As we are busy with the day to day activities and responsibilities of life and then the add on the pressures of the holidays, it is is imperative to not lose sight of the meaning of the holidays. In all of the chaos, it is family that truly adds the joy to the holiday and it is for family that I am thankful above all else.

So as we rush through the week to prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s try to be mindful of what we are rushing for. No, it is not Mom’s stuffing that I have this once a year, the pies or the turkey, it is the people that share our lives that we will spend time with. And although all of my memories of Thanksgivings past glimpse the traditional meal and desserts, the vivid memory is that of family around the table enjoying the meal and the company.

The family members around the table have changed over the years, adding so many and losing a precious few, the family dynamic has not deterred; the seats at the table are well worn from our gatherings. The food is and was always fantastic, but it the talking, banter and laughter around the table have made truly great meals and the fondest of memories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

What if today, we were just grateful for everything? – Charlie Brown