Thanksgiving is such a bittersweet holiday for my family. November is tinged gray with the deaths of some of those dearest to us – both of my parents as well as my mother-in-law died on or around this time of this month. My mother actually passed away on Thanksgiving Day 19 years ago. If it were any other holiday, that association likely would prove too negative, discoloring our ability to celebrate, but Thanksgiving is different. Instead, we console ourselves with their memories and give thanks for who they were, what they meant to each of us and by extension, what we each mean to one another. The association adds greater poignancy to this holiday of quiet celebration with family and friends. Thanksgiving is not loud and commercial in the way that Christmas has become, nor is it ostentatious or boisterous in the way New Year’s can be. Thanksgiving isn’t full of silly fun like Halloween or Valentine’s Day, nor chest-swelling patriotism like Independence Day. Other holidays such as Memorial, Labor or Veterans Days are equally serious of purpose, yet they are more external in their focus. Thanksgiving is very personal and rooted directly in the family. While it can be viewed in a religious light, it is not overtly religious. Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone, no matter their background or circumstance. There is always something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!
A touching and beautiful sentiment, John. Hope your day is joyous for you and your family.
Joel
Thanks, Joel and Chuck. This was a particularly nice one. I hope yours was as well.
Great writing – have a nice Thanksgiving