Thanksgiving

I will not be with my extended family this year, but I am so very thankful that God is so faithful and He has provided for all of my needs. I will celebrate so many memories of past holidays when we would gather at Mom's with all of our children and feast the afternoon away. Mom went home to be with the Lord in 1999, yet her legacy lives on. I firmly believe that Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday of the year. When I was preparing my turkey this afternoon, I warmly remember how a "frozen turkey" was not an option for Mom and she would always order a fresh turkey several weeks in advance. When I would arrived at her home on Thanksgiving Day, I would be greeted at the door with a myriad of warm aromas. She was so organized and would always have everything ready, except for the Oysters (I may be the only expatriot Marylander that does not eat them) which she prepared right before we sat down to the table. Mom was in her world when she was surrounded by her children and grandbabies. Now that I have grandchildren of my own, I am reflecting on that unconditional love that Mom passed on to me. The tears may run down my cheeks tomorrow and I may be sad and longing for family, but I will always remember Mom saying, "Rose, you just give that to the Good Lord." To all of my family and friends, may you have a Blessed Thanksgiving Day.