Happy Thanksgiving Week!
- lestie3
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
11/21/23
May your Thanksgiving be a Charlie Brown kind of gathering,
where friends and family gather their harvest for a feast of Thanksgiving and share stories from the past.
Now, Charlie and the gang served up pan-fried popcorn, pretzel sticks, and toast. This year, some folks will have the full spread of all the traditional favorites. Some will have enchiladas. Some will have vegan burgers. Some will have very little. Though our traditions dictate our norms, the focus shouldn't be solely on the meal itself.
Does that seem like a strange thing to say at a time of year when we feel the necessity of hurrying to make deadlines and preparing our homes and meals to be just right? Perhaps it is that my 58 years have taught me a thing or two about finding joy in the moments, the smells and feel of the season, the laughter, and the warmth of a hug. Perhaps it is that I enjoy watching my family interact with ease as we all share the duties of the home when we're all together. Perhaps it's because God has shown me a simpler way by focusing on Him first and allowing His peace to flow through me. What I do know is that I am thankful.
I am thankful for you. You have taken the time to support me and be a friend, encouraging me and responding with such kindness to my letters. Hopefully, they give you a sense of hope and encouragement as well.
My hope for you this Thanksgiving is that you will take the time to commune with your people. Really commune. Listen to what they have to say. Take a walk in the falling leaves together. Sit by the fire and tell stories of old. Give lots of hugs and tell your people how much you love them. Like Charlie and the gang, enjoy time with your friends. Perhaps call one of them and tell them you were thinking about them. I bet they'd love to hear from you.
I have a special story I'd like to share with you. This story was originally told by my Grandma Bobbie. My youngest daughter Sara, wrote this story as an entry to the first annual Grannie Annie series of books. Her story was chosen as the very first story published. I want to share it with you today.
THE MISSING PLATE
It was dinnertime at Grandma and Grandpa Doby’s farm. It was a feast but it wasn’t Thanksgiving—no special occasion. It was a beautiful summer day. They had chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, green salad, stuffed celery, corn, and fruit salad. They sat at the table. Grandma passed the food around to Grandpa and their two girls. Hungrily Grandpa told them, “Looks larrupin’.* I’m as hungry as a bear.” They were having Sunday dinner together.
As soon as Grandpa picked up his fork, they heard a car drive up. Grandma opened the door, and in came Aunt Maud. “Come in, come in! You’re just in time,” Grandpa exclaimed. Then in came Aunt Dessie, and Grandma called, “No problem at all.” Then in came Aunt Clara, friends, and family.
Grandpa always sat in the doorway to get some breeze. There was very little room in the kitchen behind his chair. So he got up and scooted his chair in so people could get through. But he thought to himself that was a mistake because his plate disappeared right before his eyes! He thought to himself again, while putting his fork down, “Well, there isn’t much use for this anymore.”
Grandma tried to serve the kids cups of water, but Aunt Dessie told her, “We’ll take care of ourselves.” Then everyone started crowding around the sink and cupboard. They all passed drinks around, but even the parents couldn’t get enough. Grandpa told everyone, “The Texas water was so bad, it not only ate up natural teeth, it ate up dentures, too.”
Kids were as thirsty as they were hungry—and they were pretty hungry! There were lots of kids there. Grandma had enough food for four, not twenty-four! They still hadn’t figured out who took Grandpa’s plate.
Aunt Dessie helped Grandma set out more dishes and made a big vegetable salad. Grandma pressure-cooked sweet potatoes. It didn’t take five minutes. The girls tried to help, but Aunt Dessie told them that they best stay sitting at the table—that way they wouldn’t get trampled. Grandma added some canned fruit to the table and made vegetable broth stew, potatoes, gravy, and rolls. She filled everyone’s plate. Grandpa didn’t eat but sure enjoyed his friends and family.
There was a lot of laughter. No one had to wonder if they were having a good time. Everyone tried to outtalk each other. Everyone was extra happy!
The visitors announced their thank-yous. They told them, “Hate to eat and run!” They did their hugs and more good-byes outside. They took pictures outside.
Leaving was hard. People waved all the way to the fence. It wasn’t Thanksgiving, but it felt like it. Grandma was definitely proud to be part of the Doby family! It wasn’t Grandma’s best meal, but it was most enjoyed. They never found out who ate Grandpa’s plate or when he ate, but they did know that he enjoyed his family, and that was enough!
*larrupin’ = delicious
These are the events past and on the near horizon:
1. I'm still working on getting my paperback books reworked for publication on Amazon and Ingram Spark. I have been on a long waiting list for a formatter I trust to make the necessary changes. I hope to have them live and for sale soon. I'll send out an email when they are live.
2. Sara was in fourth grade when she wrote her story. Grannie Annie has continued now for eighteen years. This series of books is written by younger children about their ancestors. If you would like to read more of the Grannie Annie series, go HERE. You can read them for free.
3. Remember, if you're looking for Christmas ideas for kids or kids at heart, consider my book. You can purchase the premium copy from my website today for $23.99 + shipping.
Sending love and light,
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