Thanksgiving Day- November 28th, 2024

Growing up in a large family each of us had certain  daily chores to do.  Thanksgiving Day was no different: however, the excitement and smells were overwhelming knowing Grandparents and Uncle Dutch would be there. We were up early watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and Miracle on 34th Street with Maureen O’Hara and Natalie Wood slowly became noise in the background once family arrived.  Extra card tables were set up in the dining room. Mom would bake homemade dinner rolls, homemade apple and pumpkin pie with homemade whipping cream, and  the turkey with homemade stuffing along with the rest of the trimmings.  As a family we sat down and prayed together and ate together, and the holidays were no different .On Thanksgiving prayers were a little different, because each one of us would say what we are thankful for and always  ending the prayer saying, “in Jesus name, Amen.”  Each of us helped setting up, then helped cleaning up after the meal.

My parents gave each of my siblings and I traditions to spread into our own families, which we all cherish. As the years went on and certain loved ones died, and our families grew, added card tables were added , not only in the dining room, and the family room, but also in the living room. Mom still made her famous, delicious pies and stuffing, but each family joined in with the cooking and bringing their own favorite skilled dish.  My older sister, Sis, was and still is remembered for her delicious mashed potatoes. No one has ever come close.  I miss those family members who have passed away, but I dearly hold onto the wonderful, joyful memories I hold  so close and deep within my heart.  It feels as though it was just yesterday…the sounds, the laughter… the noise… and the smells.  Magic!!!

Holidays are for being with loved ones…My Dad would always say, “ without Faith, Family, and good Friends you have nothing.”  My Dad worked between 3 to 5 jobs, but Dad always arranged on being at each of our activities, birthdays, and every holiday.  Mom and Dad gave each of us the importance reminder of Faith, and traditions, and the importance of family.

All of us here at KMAQ would like to wish each of our listeners a very Happy Thanksgiving, and to realize how the little things in life are a blessing..faith, family, a pair of warm socks, a warm meal, a safe place to live and to sleep.