Thanking Back
An Essay by Stephen Geez
www.StephenGeez.com
Art by Moonfire
www.MoonfireArtStudios.com
What can I say for Thanksgiving?
Well, in the USA it’s a federal holiday, its date set by President Lincoln to consolidate various regional observances scattered through the autumn months.
Back in the day, we youngsters were taught the popular first-Thanksgiving story of Plymouth Colony “Pilgrims” and “Indians” feasting on turkey, a ritual of gratitude for the bountiful harvest and peaceful co-existence. Turns out that version was a bit of a myth, based somewhat in truth but with a lot of fanciful embellishment. In fact, that not-uncommon form of observance likely appeared first on this continent in Florida. Seriously.
But that doesn’t really matter because Thanksgiving, like all holidays, can and does mean to each of us whatever we want it to mean. Sure, sometimes others grow angry when our own meanings for holidays vary from theirs. For some, Christmas is strictly religious, while many focus instead on the whole “peace on Earth, goodwill toward men” idea with the underlying traditions of decorated trees and Santa Claus and exchanging gifts—the kinds of seasonal festivities that mostly pre-date theocrats’ insistent efforts at re-branding. Many embrace all of the above, even if the religious part amounts to little more than an annual pilgrimage to renew membership at the local church. My childhood Halloweens proved a fun time to dress up and play spooky, but one of my friends was forbidden from participating in such “devil worship.” I don’t recall worshiping any devils, or having any desire to, so his parents’ opinions about me trick-or-treating in a clown costume still strike me as invalid and, frankly, irrelevant.
So, what does Thanksgiving mean to me? I think it’s a great reminder to appreciate whatever we value most, plus it’s a good schedule-synchronizing chance to spend time with loved ones, to enjoy a bounteous feast, and maybe even group-watch some football or plan the next day’s shopping sorties.
My earliest Thanksgivings, I was lucky to celebrate with my family of seven: me with my mother and father and brother and sister, plus Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris. Bob always headed out at daybreak to fetch us donuts, Doris made my favorite chocolate pies, and Mom cooked up a classic southern turkey feast with cornbread giblet-gravy dressing.
What a take-it-for-granted treat!
Since those days, Thanksgiving has varied considerably for me. While many people always attend their own annual extended-family feast—one of those multi-generational gatherings where the young eventually grow old and new young’ns join the fold—I have spent that day in quite a variety of ways, including some as host, many in other people’s homes, quite a few traveling around the world, one climbing a mountain, and several diving a hundred feet below the surface to drift among glorious tropical reefs. Whether I’ve passed the day with family, friends, strangers, or alone, I always remembered to appreciate all that is good in my life, and to consider what matters most.
One year I found myself without plans, and my sister mentioned that she had none, either, so I invited her to eat out with me, something we had never done without a group to distract us. I discovered a wonderful country inn, a big old antebellum mansion with great windows overlooking a sloping glen and meandering stream. We nestled in near a crackling fireplace surrounded by antique hand-carved furnishings and polished hardwood floors, watching whitetail deer graze while snowflakes danced in the breeze. Served a fabulous traditional turkey meal, we savored every course while we talked and talked, getting to know the latest versions of each other as if for the first time. Little sisters, like little brothers, never really seem to grow up in our minds, yet I couldn’t help but notice what a beautiful and perceptive young woman my own sister had become. We both appreciated that moment, just the two of us together in a crowd of strangers, thankful to enjoy each other’s company and rediscover our love.
It turns out that was my sister’s last Thanksgiving, and though I’m sad I’ll never see what a beautiful and perceptive old lady she might have become, I will always be thankful for that special time together, there by the crackling fire, watching whitetail deer graze while snowflakes danced in the breeze.
And that reminds me to be thankful for all those take-’em-for-granted childhood Thanksgivings, celebrating with my family of seven. Since then, I’ve lost Uncle Bob, then my sister, my brother, Mom, and just this year Aunt Doris; so now I’m thankful I still have Dad, and that this year I can spend time with him, even though that childhood group is now but a family of two.
This Thanksgiving, I want you to remember to appreciate what you have. If you’re religious, thank God, by whatever name you call Him, for the blessings you and your loved ones take for granted. If you’re spiritual, be thankful to whatever forces you credit for bringing love and happiness to your world. No matter what you believe or don’t, you should find and acknowledge the good that affords you moments of wonder and quiet joy.
And remember to show gratitude to others, especially those who make a difference in your life. Then be sure to value the opportunities you have for giving something, no matter how small, to the people who shape your world.
Every Thanksgiving represents a moment that inevitably has to change. Each year we strive to gain, to grow, and to achieve; but we all ultimately face not being allowed to keep much of what and whom we value most. Don’t mourn your losses any more than you must, but rather be thankful for the ties you did have, and cherish those memories.
Be thankful for all your Thanksgivings, past and present, plus the exquisite potential in all those yet to come.
I’m looking forward to some great ones, and you should, too. We all deserve the best, and we definitely should notice the many ways it somehow always manages to come.
So, what else can I say for Thanksgiving?
Well, with these simple words I got to spend some time with you, and that I appreciate very much.
I do think it’s a point worth making, and there’s really no better way to say it, so, well . . .
Thanks!
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© The Fresh Ink Group, LLC, 2011
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