Grateful for Thanksgiving Memories November 25, 2025 570 words

This year, our Thanksgiving table will be short of people, but full of memories.
My first memory of a gathering was at my Mother’s family.With four sisters and two brothers, it was quite a gathering. It usually occurred on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. My family gathered at my Mother’s parents along with aunts, uncles and many cousins to share grace, passed dishes and carry on several conversations at one time. The laden table stretched from the china cabinet in the dining room through the doorway and spilling into the living room. Several sized tables were cobbled together to form a large eating area. We sat in family clusters with adults keeping tabs on toddlers and babies. Grandma Cathrine and Grandpa Al presided at the table’s ends. Grandma near the kitchen to bring and distribute warm entrees. Before the meal, each adult and child was expected to verbalize what they were grateful for. When it was my two year old brother’s turn, he stated he was grateful that the prayer was over. Card games, conversation and coffee completed the evening. Sleeping children were carried to cars for the trip home.
The Thanksgiving meal at my Dad’s parents was much smaller. It included two aunts and one uncle along with my family and Grandma Jenny and Grandpa Clifford. There I had my first taste of mince meat pie. My brother Craig, told me that the pie was made from mice, but I tried it anyways. I learned not to trust my brother when it came to food.
If the Detroit Lions were playing and the game was close, all the men and my brothers took their plates to the living room to watch the end of the game. Both families played a running background of parades and football games. Grandma Jenny, my aunts and myself cleared the table and started to wash the dishes. I was left to find my own entertainment. There was a box of toys in the front closet for us to play with. The box held tinker toys, Lincoln logs and a tin holder for marbles for Chinese checkers. We were expected to play quietly while the adults conversed.
One year, my Mother volunteered to host Thanksgiving. Aunt Pearl donated a goose that she had been given. I remember the goose was greasy and not flavorful. That was the first year we had had macaroni and cheese . It is still served in memory of that first and only goose meal.
This year most of the cousins are celebrating with their in laws or close friends. I have found that my brothers are babysitting dogs, hunting or making phone calls to family members. On Face call or videos, another layer of memories are added to the family foundation.
John and I wish you a Blessed Holiday filled with memories.
*** Poem Passings
It seems like yesterday,
I was sitting at the kids table.
Reaching for another large olive and slippery Jack pickle.
Dessert was whipped cream covered, usually a wedge of pie.
We drank sparkling juice or Vernors pop.
Bowls of salty nuts and mints offered treats before.the meal.
With heads bowed, grace was recited.
A loud amen signaled the great tuck in.
We all took a walk before coffee and dessert.
Now, we skip the big meal
Going straight for dessert and coffee.
Smiling, we remember and we are grateful for the memories.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted November 25, 2025