Another year, another Thanksgiving right? One would think so, but anymore it has just been another day for me. It used to be my favorite holiday with a house full of people and everyone eating more than stomach's should allow on any given day. It was always my saddest holiday when I was away from home. I still remember the year a friend in Seattle took me home to her family dinner only to find out it was customary for all the kids in the house to bring home folks who had no place to go. We all sat around the table and said what we were thankful for. We listened, later, to her whole family sing. It is still one of the most beautiful days of my life. That happened in 1994.
I have been away from home for a very long time and over these years I have gotten used to a small or non-existent Thanksgiving. I have learned to not hold so much to the day...maybe so it wouldn't hurt so much. I usually work because it doesn't matter when you have a dinner to go to. I was supposed to work this year again, but I was need on other days so here I sit in a silent house. Chloe is sleeping and Michael is at work. Later Chloe will go to her father's where they still have a to do on Thanksgiving.
Today, I am tasked with making my first turkey since 1997 when I made my first ever turkey on Thanksgiving when it was just me and my boyfriend of the time. 19 years between turkeys. That is some gap. I hope I get it right because Michael waits for turkey all year long.
I have come to understand that holidays aren't as big a deal as we have always made them. It is the actions we take everyday towards our family that mean the most. I am not good with keeping up with people if not on Facebook. I'm not sure why honestly, I just keep to myself a lot. But I have built a great family with Michael and Chloe which makes me thankful every day. Those two keep my smiling and working hard and make me want to go the extra mile. After dinner tonight, Michael and I will watch "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" which has become one of our small traditions. I will wake up tomorrow and have to go to work and it will all move forward from there.
But today, today would have been my father's 67 th birthday. I miss him every day. I miss his laugh and our 15 minute phone calls, our letters, our music sharing. I miss his calm advice and his strong love. Happy Birthday Pop. I love you. I'm eternally thankful for all the lessons you gave me, still give me when I slow down long enough to listen.
Aleathia
