Giving Thanks

Growing up, one of my fondest memories was Thanksgiving at Grandma Charlotte’s house.  It was an annual event for family and friends, and Grandma’s house was the center of it all.  Our immediate and extended family could be anywhere from sixteen to twenty-some people, including Great Grandpa Bill, aunts, uncles and cousins, and some adopted relatives.  Ironically, this was a small post-war, two-bedroom house in Wedgewood that couldn’t have been larger than 1,200 square feet.  And yet everyone seemed to find a place to sit for dinner.  I especially remember a piano bench that could hold four squirming kids.

Grandma Charlotte looked a lot like the grandmother in the Norman Rockwell picture: house dress, apron, glasses, hair in a bun, pleasingly plump and warmly approachable.  Grandpa Win, not so much.  He was bald, skinny and wizened.  Grandma added warmth and joy to the occasion.  She welcomed everyone and made each of us feel special.  She would brag to her friends and whoever else would listen about her twelve beloved grandchildren.  For her, we were the best in sports, school, activities, yard work or anything else she could think of.  We all felt special around her.  We all believed in our heart of hearts that we were her favorite.  Of course, I knew that I was “really” her favorite!

I remember the laughter and joy that surrounded the table.  Everyone was pressed together.  There was no elbow room.  I would elbow my brother to move over and he would elbow my sister to do the same.  Of course, there was no room to move.  Sometimes she fell off.  With everyone pressed together within ear shot, it was a time to catch up on all the family news.  This was one of the ways to do it.  Remember, this was 1958.  No cell phones, computers, internet, Facebook, Facetime, Tik Tok, Snapchat.  Transistor radios were the latest craze.  TV was three channels in black and white.  Communication was letters and postcards via snail mail.  The one telephone in the house was only for local calls.  Long distance was anything beyond Lynnwood, Bellevue or Renton, and too expensive except for emergencies.  The adults would take turns talking and laughing, updating everyone with the latest events and births.  Great grandpa would tell stories of his time as a cowboy and rancher.  He was a musician and also did rope tricks.  At the time, we didn’t pay much attention to him.  Afterall, he was just a silly old man who was hard to understand.  Now, I would love to remember those stories that are now lost to time.

I do not remember going around the table and having everyone share what they are thankful for.  But I do remember there was an air of wellbeing and thankfulness.  All of the adults had lived through the Great Depression.  That was a time of want, joblessness, hunger and scarcity.  It was a time of hopelessness.  What a difference!  In 1958, there was so much to be thankful for.  And yet, our Thanksgiving wasn’t opulent or overwhelming.  It wasn’t extravagant.  It was abundant but simple.  I don’t remember the turkey being as big as in the picture, but it was big enough for all of us, with leftovers beside.  We had plain water instead of Martinelli’s.  There were mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, white meat, dark meat, string beans in gravy, corn and a simple salad.  And of course, pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Though crowded, the dinner wasn’t rushed.  The adults sat around the table long after we were done eating.  We kids disappeared to play.  Grandma’s house was the greatest playground in the world.  Think John Denver and “Grandma’s Featherbed.”  How did we ever get eight kids on that bed?

Times are different now.  We do have all the electronic conveniences that make things go faster, distances shorter, and staying in touch more convenient.  Food has gotten more complicated.  Stresses are higher.  Divisions are greater.  And yet, when Thanksgiving comes around, it is still a time of reflection and gratefulness.

 I know what it is be in need, and I know what is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him that gives me strength.  (Philippians 4:12, 13)

I am grateful for my God and my faith, for Carol my wife, for my family, our children and grandchildren, for my brothers and sisters in the faith, for my friends and neighbors.  I am grateful for the way God has blessed us and intend to share those blessing whenever possible.  So much to be grateful for.