What exactly is Thanksgiving?
That is the question that has been burning in my heart and mind all month. Previously, I had always thought of Thanksgiving as the day when all of my loved ones were gathered together around my dining room table to share a celebration meal.
This year my idea of Thanksgiving has been challenged. For the first time since our marriage (19 years ago), my husband will not be home for Thanksgiving. He will be at work. At first, I thought I would just prepare our usual Thanksgiving feast at home, enjoy it with our girls, and then take hubby some leftovers. Yet, somehow that just didn't feel right. After all, isn't the true core of Thanksgiving day a celebration of genuine thanks for all of your blessings? Would a plate of leftovers driven over to the ambulance station convey this heartfelt sentiment to the man I love dearly? I wasn't so sure. But, on the other hand, having our meal at home was the way we had 'always done it'. Letting go of tradition is a hard thing for me but I am learning that keeping tradition isn't always what is best.
So, what would be best? Best would be to celebrate with those I loved and to share our blessings. It was then I realized that whether gathered around my table or somewhere else, Thanksgiving (for me) meant being with my loved ones - regardless of our location. With my question answered, my decision was made. The girls and I would prepare our meal and take it (all of it) to the ambulance station. It wouldn't be like it has always been but life IS about change.
It's a sad thing to confess but I have kept my blessings to myself (and my own) for far too long. Thanksgiving didn't start out that way. It started with grateful individuals joining together to share their abundance and to celebrate their blessings. This year, for the first time, my family will have a celebration the keeps the original tradition of gratitude, sharing, and rejoicing alive once more. Finally, a more accurate reflection of Thanksgiving.
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