For over two decades, Thanksgiving was synonymous with a whirlwind of travel for my family and me. Each year, we'd journey from one set of relatives to another, accumulating miles on the road and memories around various dinner tables. It was a constant – a busy, yet comforting routine that defined the holiday for us.
Our routine was simple: we traveled, and our relatives cooked. The warmth of being welcomed without the expectation of contributing anything but our presence was a gift in itself. This was our normal, a rhythm we followed year after year, ingrained in our family’s essence.
In 2021, everything changed. My mom's sudden passing a month before Thanksgiving plunged us into deep grief, with my dad bearing the brunt of the loss. Despite the heartache, we kept our tradition alive, gathering at my parents' house. This time, though, it was different – multiple family members brought dishes, contributing to a shared feast steeped in unspoken emotions.
That year's Thanksgiving was heavy with loss and uncharted feelings. While gratitude might not have been at the forefront of our minds, the thankfulness for being together in the face of grief was palpable. Little did we know, it would be the last Thanksgiving with my dad, who passed away the following year.
Today, I look back at those years of chaos, laughter, and even disagreements over sports and politics with a profound sense of gratitude. Yes, we had our fair share of debates, but they never diminished the love and respect we held for each other. We talked about Christmas. The kids in the family always had requests for gifts that they wanted. Some of us did go out Black Friday shopping and had our sale flyers handy to discuss where the best deals were to be found.
This journey through the Thanksgivings of my past has taught me the true essence of the holiday. It's not about the perfect meal or the seamless gathering; it's about the irreplaceable moments spent with loved ones, the shared grief and joy, and the enduring bonds that outlast any disagreement. Thanksgiving, for me, has evolved into a poignant reminder of what we had, what we've lost, and the preciousness of the moments we still share.
If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope you can find moments of peace, solace, and gratitude in the busy festivities to remember and think back fondly on.