Thanksgiving Memories

The war in Korea was raging, but as a young girl I
did not understand about such things that all of the
adults were talking about. It was nearing the middle
of November and my little friends and I could
barely wait for the Thanksgiving Day celebration.



We chattered constantly about what our Mothers
were preparing for that most wonderful feast. I
loved all the preparations that went on in our
home. We were such a small family..just my
Dad, my Step-Mom and me.



I did not realize how poor my family was at that time
but we always had plenty to eat and my Dad hunted
game to provide meat for our table. When hunting
season came, my Dad decided he was going to get a
wild turkey for our Thanksgiving meal. I eagerly
awaited his arrival from the forest in anticipation
of seeing a large turkey for our meal.



He returned empty handed and with a sad look on
his face. Our home was very quiet that night as my
folks talked in hushed tones about our Thanksgiving
meal. There was none of the exuberance that we all
shared earlier that day.



We had a basement that had floor to ceiling slim
shelves and these held dozens of preserved vegetables,
fruits, and jellies that my Step-Mom and I had worked
on for eating in the Fall and Winter months. I hated
having to help with the preserving, but I truly enjoyed
the eating of the food.



The day before Thanksgiving, all the school mates
were excited about our little school break and the
anticipation of the coming holiday was surely palpable.
I, however, had a slight nervous feeling because I
didn't know what we would eat since my Dad did
not get "The Turkey".



When I arrived home from school that day, I saw
much activity in our kitchen as my Step-Mom was
baking wonderful smelling pies. There was the
scent of fresh apple pies cooling on the counter
and the delicious scent of cinnamon and cloves as
the pumpkin pies were baking in the oven.



As I opened the refrigerator door I saw two
plump chickens that my folks had managed to buy
and there was an air of happiness again. No, there
was no turkey on the table, but with grateful
hearts we bowed our head in thankfulness for the
bounty that God had given us.



I still think back to those days when we had so
little in material possessions but so much to be
thankful for...A warm house, clothes to wear and
food to eat. I am indeed most grateful to my
folks and to God.


© Ann Marie Fisher
2006




Scripture from Psalm: 92

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord,
and to sing praises unto Thy Name, O Most High:
To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning,
and thy faithfulness every night
 

This is used with Ann's permission.
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