Thanksgiving

It’s 7:00 am. As I open my eyes, I realize for the 2^nd year in a row, I am waking up in an unfamiliar city, under a roof and in bed that’s not mine. There are no smells of my Mother’s Thanksgiving feast being prepared. No sounds of children running and playing…just silence. The silence and lack of a holiday feeling bring tears to my eyes… how I miss the good ol’ days.

I remember as a child, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I’ve always been greedy. As a matter of fact my Momma used to call me “Greedy Gut.” I would wake up to the smell of Momma’s turkey roasting, and the sound of potatoes being cut for her homemade potato salad. I was that kid that would continuously ask, “Momma, you need some help?” Not because I really wanted to help, but because I wanted us to eat as soon as possible.

I remember going to pick up Nana. As I walked in her house I would smell the sweet aroma of dressing and sweet potatoes, praying she had made her famous Chicken and Dumplings one more time. She would always tell me to enjoy today…because tomorrow is not promised. As we would drive from her house back to ours, the anticipation would literally feel like it was killing me. I had to eat right now.

I remember the calls from Ohio. I would say “Hello”, and hear what sounded like an army of family scream “Happy Thanksgiving!” I remember years when we were in Toledo for the holiday. Granddaddy would have us playing ping pong for hours. When that ended, the pool tournaments started. At dinner time we would all stand around the table holding hands to pray. My brother and I would close one eye looking at each other giggling in anticipation for Granddaddy’s famous prayer. Grandma Rose would say “Say Grace Charles.” As all of us bowed our heads Granddaddy would say “Grace!.. Now lets eat!” Made me laugh every single time I heard it.

As I got older I remember being awakened by Babygirl climbing in the bed with me. She would whisper, “Happy Thanksgiving Daddy.” I would look at her precious little smiling face. Her breathe would be hot enough to make your nose bleed but there’s nothing more precious than your child’s smile. In 2004 I took a mental picture of Thanksgiving. We held hands and Nana started to pray. I remember looking at my brother and thinking “we did it,” as we held hands in a circle of our wives, our parents, our kids, and Nana. I knew I were blessed…but as Nana always told me, tomorrow wasn’t promised.

As I lay here at 7:05am with tears streaming my sadness turns into joy. I am so thankful for the memories God blessed me with. I am Thankful that I was blessed to grow up surrounded by love. I am Thankful that I was blessed with two wonderful parents that broke their backs to give me and my brother the opportunity to succeed in life. I am Thankful that I was blessed to have had the years I had with Nana, Granddaddy, and Grandma Rose. I am Thankful and blessed I am a member of such a loving family and have so many real friends…because I know and understand tomorrow is not promised.

So today as you sit and enjoy your holiday, take just a moment to “stop and smell the flowers.” Don’t be in such a rush to get from place to place. Enjoy the old stories you will hear. Enjoy that little son, daughter, nephew, niece, or cousin that is super energetic and getting on everyone’s nerves.  Enjoy the food that was made with such love and care. Take time to sit and talk with the elders of the family. Be thankful for Today… because one thing we know for sure, is tomorrow isn’t promised…and if God grants you the ability to see tomorrow, it will never be the same as today.

Happy Thanksgiving.