Thankful for...

Edris Becker actually ringing the dinner bell.  The family was busy talking and after some time with no response, she exclaimed "It's time for dinner. Ain't you got no couth?"  There was always an ivory lace tablecloth and water glasses on the table.

Mom putting me to work as a six or seven-year-old after incessant inquiries about the timing of dinner.  I cannot remember the first task, but I do remember being in high school when she told me I was ready to make the turkey by myself. It is my favorite culinary task to this day.

I don't remember a specific Thanksgiving with Irene but every meal was a masterpiece and there were many.  I do remember her making sauerkraut in the duplex on Denver Avenue. I was thinking I would pass on that one. But like every other meal, it was a delicious addition. I am sure my German heritage was helpful in becoming a sauerkraut connoisseur.

In my first year of college making the turkey at Dad's house on "H" Street.  Seems like Terri, Jack, Dad, Steve and I were in attendance. We were missing Karen, the most creative and fearless cook in the family.

Dale and Myrna prepared so many wonderful meals for us it's hard to pick. But the biggest impression I got was walking through the laundry room the first time I attended a Thanksgiving with them. Seeing no less than five homemade desserts staged across the washer and dryer, I had a feeling it was going to be good.  Myrna's apple cake was to die for.

My young philosophers made an impression on me too. On one particular drive home from Thanksgiving Ryan asked me, "If an atheist is thankful, who is he thankful to?" I think he was seven or eight at the time.

The first time I made a turkey for my Salvadoran family there was some speculation about them actually eating it. You know you are not in Kansas anymore when your new family has never had a turkey for Thanksgiving. Fortunately, it was one of the few times there was no turkey left over.

I am not a spring chicken and in all these years of employment, I have never worked on Thanksgiving.  There will be many truck drivers, mariners, toll booth operators, utility workers and so many others making sure the shelves are stocked and the lights are on come Friday morning. Thank you for what you accomplish for us all.

This year will feature Citrus Turkey, Smoked Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower and broccoli, cucumber, tomato and feta salad, Rhodes rolls (yes I cheat on bread) and we have several volunteers bringing dessert.  I will have both sides of the grill and the oven fired up for several hours at least.

We all appeared here by grace; undeserved favor. One day of thanks is not enough. But one day that we all give thanks together is the rightful duty and joy for all that we have and share.

Have a great Thanksgiving and Bless you on this day and always.