A Grandma's Reflections on Thanksgivings Past
Love is like a Never-ending Circle -- Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Flashbacks
As a little girl in the 1950s, and until I was a married mother, we spent our Thanksgivings with my Dad's large family...The Edwards Clan. My childhood memories are very clear. There were two or three turkeys roasting, dozens of homemade pies on tables, card tables and folding chairs lined up, plenty of hugs and laughter, my cousins and I running around while our mothers, aunts and Grandma mashed potatoes, and whipped cream for pumpkin pies. Every aunt had a specialty she prepared as a side dish. On several occasions, my older cousins sneaked off into a bedroom with one of the pies, and polished it off before Grace was given. It was a happy, carefree time, with no stress for the kids who enjoyed the holiday from school.
There were softball games, live music and dancing. "Grandpap" and his sons were musically talented with fiddles, guitars and banjos. One highlight I'll always cherish was the time I got to dance with my Grandpap the last Thanksgiving before he passed on!
The Edwards Clan grew every Thanksgiving as we welcomed new spouses and babies. We first congregated at Uncles' and Aunts' homes until we burst at the seams and resorted to reserving local parks and recreation halls to accommodate all of us. It was common by then for more than 70 relatives, in and out of town, to attend.
Loss of Loved Ones and Families Growing
Today, with so many loved ones gone and the rest of us with families of our own growing up, we concentrate on our own Thanksgiving traditions. I reminisce and wish life was still so simple. Hopefully, our grandkids think it is!
Today, with so many loved ones gone and the rest of us with families of our own growing up, we concentrate on our own Thanksgiving traditions. I reminisce and wish life was still so simple. Hopefully, our grandkids think it is!
Our immediate family now numbers 18, and history is repeating itself with our traditions. The grandkids are spunky and carefree, running around playing soccer or horseshoes while we women are putting the finishing touches on the big meal. Sometimes extended family joins us. Later, we'll play board games, make jokes, visit and watch football, arguing over whether Arizona State University or University of Arizona will win the annual rivalry! Another round of pie is always in order. Before leaving, we'll divvy up the leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
The meaning of Thanksgiving
Being together, loving one another and giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy are what Thanksgiving means to me. You can't ask for anything better!
Being together, loving one another and giving thanks for the many blessings we enjoy are what Thanksgiving means to me. You can't ask for anything better!
Love is like a never-ending circle...Happy Thanksgiving!
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