Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving rethought!

I've always hated Thanksgiving; felt like it was a celebration of woman's slavery. Rising at an ungodly hour to stick my hands inside a dead fowl; Filling the goopy cavity of that same fowl with a bread concoction that has no recipe; Preparing potatoes, vegetables, relishes and pies while visions of football games dance in the dreams of sleeping family members.
By the time dawn has broken, the dead thing is in the oven, pies are waiting on the sideboard, veggies are awaiting their demise on the stove and I'm exhausted.
By Noon numerous family members have arrived, the living room sounds like a professional sporting event, glasses are clinking and I'm chained to the stove - locked in the kitchen jail, preparing for the onslaught of "The Hungry Family." Oh yeah, did I mention that tablecloths and napkins had to be ironed and a table for the multitudes also needed to be staged and set as a wondrous background for the dead thing centerpiece?
Once everyone's hunger has been satiated the punishment continues as the now destroyed table masterpiece is disassembled, mountains of pots, pans, plates and cutlery are moved to the kitchen counters, the family moves back to the TV and I move to my place at the sink---where monotonous hours await me washing, drying and putting away the debris from invasion. Did I say I hate Thanksgiving?

This year this is no family invasion, my parents are now both gone and the children are off to celebrate with their significant others. It is just George and me.
We are having a small chicken, some veggies and taters and sharing a small pumpkin pie. The food must all be ground so he can swallow it but neither of us mind this change today.
We hold hands at the kitchen table (this year totally devoid of any staging) and quietly thank God that we are able to have this meal together. There is no football, no alcohol, and no pressure. There is just the two of us...together....appreciating and loving the the fact that we are here, sharing the pain and joy of life and growing closer every day. Did I say I Love Thanksgiving?

7 comments:

  1. I know you love that you and George got to spend the day at home, together. It may be quieter than usual but being thankful and making a memory together is so much more important than all the hoopla anyway...wishing you many more Thanksgiving Day's together my friend......:-) Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful post Quieten. I too would always feel so pressured on Thanksgiving. Year after year. But I still loved the holiday because it was about the only one that no gifts were involved!
    Now we go to my son's house and his wife prepares the meal. It is so much more enjoyable.
    It's good that you and George had the day together. Thank the Lord for these blessings.
    Love Di

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks,Diana. My daughter just offered to make christmas dinner this year and if all goes well we just may take her up on it. I hope you had a nice holiday. I saw your thanksgiving post and loved it! For some reason,though, my system wouldn't let me post a comment :-( ...sometimes technology hates me! Have a wonderful weekend- don't shop too much.
    Huggz,
    Quieten

    ReplyDelete
  4. Quieten...you bring tears to my eyes!!! Yes, this is what it is really about: "There is just the two of us...together....appreciating and loving the the fact that we are here, sharing the pain and joy of life and growing closer every day." Yesterday evening, we watched the animated film, "Up!" I cried...because although it is humor, it reminded me of what is really important...not all the expectations or big dreams...but love!!! And YOU have reminded me so eloquently of the same thing today!!!! God bless you, my friend!! I truly admire you!! You are a beautiful woman!!! Love, Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your posts have touched me...cancer has been part of our lives as well...husband's colon cancer, but life goes on and it is what you make of it, enjoy the here and now, your appreciation of that is obvious. First time here, but I am a friend of Bernie, Diana and Janine's!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thinking of you, and sending much love~Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks, Wanda - I am learning more and more each day that the here and now is where it's at :-) . Learning that makes it a positive side of a negative situation and for that I am glad. I'm sorry to hear that you are on this journey too. I wish you strength and courage and am adding you to my prayers.
    Huggz,
    Quieten

    ReplyDelete