THANKSGIVING IS TWO DAYS AWAY and I’d like to share with you a couple of very short stories that will hopefully remind you of the importance of family and friends … and being grateful.
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The Thanksgiving Table
It was Katherine’s first Thanksgiving without Tom, her husband of nearly a half-century. This year, the approaching holidays left Kat feeling empty but her granddaughter, Lily, insisted on hosting dinner at her tiny apartment.
When Kat arrived, she was surprised to see the dining table, a mismatched collection of folding chairs and borrowed dishes done in Early-Attic / Modern Hand-Me-Down style, overflowing with food. Suddenly, she was surrounded by family. Lily beamed as she welcomed everyone.
“Grandma,” she said, “We all brought something that reminds us of Grandpa.”
Kat’s heart swelled. The sweet potato casserole was Grandpa Tom’s favorite, His fishing buddies brought the pecan pie he loved, and Lily had repurposed his old flannel shirt into a beautiful plaid centerpiece.
After dinner, they remained at the table and shared stories. Laughter filled the room, and Kat felt a warmth rising within her. She realized something … though Tom was not physically among them that day, nor on any day henceforth, for that matter, the love he’d shared with everyone lived on. Her heart felt full for the first time since Tom’s passing.
When it was time to give thanks, she simply said, “I’m grateful for all of you and for the memories that remind us of the ones we love. This is the best Thanksgiving ever!”
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A Wish Granted
The crisp November air carried the scent of roast turkey and pumpkin pie as the Morgans gathered in their cozy living room. The laughter of children echoed, mixing with the gentle hum of conversation and the sharing of long-ago, growing-up memories.
But this Thanksgiving was bittersweet.
You see, Captain James Morgan, beloved husband and father, had been deployed overseas for many months with many months yet to go. There was a conspicuously empty seat at the table and you couldn’t help but notice each person avoided looking at the spot where “Jim” should’ve been.
As the meal was being served, each person prepared to share what they were most thankful for. Six-year-old Ella held tight to a crayon drawing of her family holding hands.
“I wish Daddy was here,” she whispered.
Her mother, Sarah, squeezed her hand, fighting hard to keep tears at bay and not dampen everyone’s spirits and their cheeks, too.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sarah looked puzzled. “Who could that be?”
Little Ella bolted to the door, curiosity overtaking her sadness. She opened it and froze. Her hands covered her wide-open, disbelieving mouth. There, in full uniform standing tall like soldiers do, was Jim, her Daddy, his eyes glistening with emotion.
“Daddy!” Ella screamed, leaping into his arms. Sarah rushed to the door and fell into Jim’s arms. Tears spilled freely as the soldier hugged his ladies tightly.
“How could I miss Thanksgiving with my girls!” Jim said, his voice cracking. The room erupted in joyous chaos and the warmest-ever group hug occurred that day.
“This is the best Thanksgiving ever!” Ella declared. And she was right.
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We’re all incredibly busy with so many work and personal obligations, interests, unexpected life challenges, you name it. But one constant, one rock-steady dimension in our lives, is the love of family and the natural inclination to draw together on special occasions. For some, that’s easily and regularly done, and for others [myself included] a rather large ocean lies between most of my family and me.
Thanksgiving Day is a time to slow down, take stock, and be near as many of those family members and friends as we can, those who mean so much to us … and to express gratitude for each of them and for memories shared and memories yet to be made.
From all of us at dynami, we wish you a warm, wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving spent with those closest to you. On this day and all others, we are truly grateful for all of you.
Happy Thanksgiving and … Cheers!
Kenneth Jones
