Thanksgiving Tradition

I am always amazed at how holidays manage to come together and blossom into something memorable. My wonderful husband, sister-in-law, younger brother, and fabulous niece are all cooking and adding to the feast. I am sure everyone will help set the table, get the food out, and somehow we will all sit down at one table with food and laughter between us and celebrate our family and the freedom we have to be ourselves, adding more memories to the pile and honoring both my parents for raising us all so well. Our only regret is that one brother and his entire branch is missing, but we’ll catch up to them sooner or later.

My mother is in the middle, watching as the rest of us step up and I can imagine that she is itching to chop, mix, and mash along with everyone else. But time has worn her down and it is our turn to do the work and her turn to advise, and coach from her chair. When it is my turn to sit and watch, I hope I manage as well. I keep feeling like I am stealing her holiday.