Memories. If you are old enough, you have experienced changes over the years in the way your family celebrates holidays. Ive had so many, but this one without my Mom and brother is tough at the moment. Reflecting on Thanksgivings past has helped. My great memories from my youth at Thanksgiving are from the huge family gatherings at Grandma Cora and Grandpa Carl’s house on Davis Court. The entire family, including our great grandparents on Grandpa’s side, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jim, and of course Mom & Dad – all gone now along with my brother Patrick. There were the special decorations, homemade noodle making with Grandma, and a special chocolate sauce I was in charge of for those who liked ice cream. The feast was wonderful. We’d eat early in the day, then eat again. When Grandpa died, Thanksgiving moved to Mom & Dad’s house and remained there without interruption (except when Randy and I hosted the year Dad died) until two years ago. All the special decorations were still there, and the huge table in the family room was beautifully set. Too many were crowded into the small kitchen, from which Mom produced a magnificent feast! There were lots of pies…but everyone went for Paula’s cheesecake first. I was in charge of wine. I remember how surprised my daughter in law Carrie was the first time she joined us, at how many of us there were. I hope my great niece Gracie was old enough to remember how it was. One of the best was 2008 when Chris, Carrie and Corinne moved to Ohio from Portland, Oregon. Randy and I were so happy to have them there, and Mom especially enjoyed time with her 2nd great granddaughter, Corinne. Sadly, it was to be Randy’s last Thanksgiving with us. For me, it hasn’t been the same since. So this year, the first since losing Mom and Patrick, things have evolved yet again. The Quatkemeyer clan (Paula & Jeff & kids) will be at Barron’s place in Columbus. The Garber clan (Chuck, Kim & kids + grandkids) will all be together. I’ll be joining Chris, Carrie, Corinne and Cara at Carrie’s mother’s home in Oxford. All splintered off into new groups. Perhaps never again to all be in one place for Thanksgiving. I’ll be holding my family (those here and in heaven) in my heart this year, wherever they may be, and praying for each one, as I do daily. I’ll be asking special blessings for a joyous Thanksgiving Day with family. I love you all.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:01:06 +0000
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