Thanksgiving always reminds me of my grandmother. Growing up, and well into my adulthood, my grandmother's house was the center of Thanksgiving for me. I loved arriving early in the day at her house, and helping her with the final preparations of the meal, transporting all of the food from the kitchen to the dining room buffet, and helping her serve. I love the warmth of her home, the mouth- watering smells of turkey, dressing, and pies baking. She was always sure to make my siblings' and my favorite foods - "southern" green beans, squash, sweet potato souffle with marshmallows, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, dressing [always two trays - one with sage, and one without - for my Mom], and turkey. I know that my grandmother preferred ham over turkey, but by far, my preference is turkey. Some years she prepared both a ham AND a turkey, but she always made a turkey. When my siblings and I were younger, it was always a big deal to be the first to rush in her door and "call" whose turn it would be to pull the turkey wishbone that year. The one who pulled the short end got to put it over the kitchen door sill for good luck for the day, and the long one got to make a wish. She always roasted a huge turkey, so that there were plenty of leftovers for us to take home. I fondly remember looking forward to her leftover dressing for several days; I remember even eating it for breakfast! I miss my grandmother, but around the holidays, especially, I feel connected to her.
It's been a busy Thanksgiving Week here. Family and friends visiting for Thanksgiving, fun preparing the meal and festivities, late night "catch up" conversations, piano playing, movie watching, frisbee and football in the neighborhood park (good exercise after a delicious FEAST). None of us braved the 5 am shopping craziness this morning; instead, it was a relaxing morning..no schedule of activities. Relaxed cups of coffee and green tea with conversation and watching the squirrels in the yard scavenge for acorns from the oak trees. In the midst of difficult national times, and friends' personal struggles, this small envelope of being in a cozy home, preparing a meal to share with family and friends, is a nice mindful meditation on what's important in life. [It reminds me of the warm feelings of spending most of my Thanksgivings at my grandmother's home.] I am always very aware, probably more than most, of the tenuous that accompanies us all in life. It was nice to enjoy the gift of being with each other enjoying one another's company, sharing a meal, and reflecting on all we have for which to be grateful. I also found my thoughts going towards all of those involved in the tragic events in Mumbai the past few days, a friend's family struggle with a family crisis, and concern over a couple of family members' health issues. I guess mindfulness means being aware of both those things and people for which I have gratitude, as well as awareness of the "shadow" side of life. Sometimes I think the "shadow" events make us appreciate the gifts we do have in each of our lives.
