Well, the year is coming to a close, and I have spent most of it writting down the things I remember to fill the request Keara gave me last Christmas. I believe I have touched about everything that has crossed my mind. Hoping all the while that I have left a path of thoughts that will be of use to any, some or part of the family I love so very much! One way or the other, it has been a time of great interest to me. I have been surprised at times of how much I do recall. After a number of serious "thumps" on my head, I have, at times, felt it difficult to recall even the tiniest of things. Family would laugh and talk about somethings, I do not recall at all. So what has been written certainly is a marvel to me.
Then what about Thanksgivings? Well they have come into my life 80 times this year. I only recall some because they were special for one reason or another. I recall we didn't have Turkey until we were in California. Dad, being English, would prefer duck or goose. These became less available after we came West. I guess that is why we had Turkey? It was a new experience not only for the family, but for Mom as well. I recall her confusion at just what she could do with such a BIG BIRD. I guess what she did with a goose was different? I can't really recall. I know we did have duck one year, and I hated it. It is just too greasy. Besides they are shaped funny!
I remember one Thanksgiving that was rather sad. The family had gathered at Mom and Dads for dinner. Jay's dad received a telephone call before he came that his brother, Magnus had been killed. We waited dinner while he went to check on what had happened. It had been a very foggy morning. Magnus was on his way home when he had some kind of car trouble and got out of his car to check things. In the fog, he was not visible. Another car came along and hit him. It put quite a damper on the day, but we managed through it. A real test of family. We were so greatful we were all together and could support each other in such a trying time.
Mom and Dad always included all the family when it came to Thanksgiving. All the kids would come home with their families and Uncle Bill and Aunt Clara would come. After Jay's parents divorced, "Slim" was always included as well. Mom was good about filling any special orders for the meal that were suggested. For Uncle Bill it was always "creamed onions". Not everyone liked them, but there was always a dish full which he enjoyed. I like them too, and am known to fix them once in awhile. Each time a special memory of Uncle Bill.
Mom always left everything on the table after we would finish eating. The family would play games, or just set around and talk. Then when we got hungry again, which we always did, we would uncover the table and pick at what was left. You know, if we did that today, there would be all kinds of trouble. Folks would say we would get sick from that stuff being unrefrigerated. None of us every did. Wonder why that is? Nothing like a plate of cold dressing and turkey. I loved it!
The boys had given Mom a beautiful set of dinner ware for an Anniversary one year after they had gone to work. It was such a pleasure to set the table with it. Mom had two sets of real silverware. One with an "S" on it and another that had different shape and decorated handles. Back in those days a table wasn't really set unless it had "silverware". Today you hardly ever see any. I believe the dinnerware went to Ralph and Betsy when Mom gave up her home. Dawn and Greg were given the "S" silverware. Gosh, lets see, it would be it about 89 years old now. What an antique it is! The dinnerware, I have no idea where it could be, would be about 50 years old. Good things keep their value if only sentimental. Can't replace that kind of an item these days. Nothing like old china, silver and linen. There is some of Moms wedding linen spread around the family as well. That was such a priceless thing. Irish Linen was the dream of every bride back in the early 1900's. We don't even think of it now.
Modern tables are set with a number of different kinds of tableclothes, with not a one being from Ireland. Plates may range from paper to the best of Dinner Ware. Usually the utensils are of Stainless Steel. Glasses range from plastic to Crystal. Depending on the household serving the meal. It really doesn't matter what we eat off of, nor what we use to put the food into our mouths. No, it really matters who we set down with and the love that is gathered around the table. The food will be good, no matter what is placed on the table, and the feelings will be much the same as they have been from years past. We have gathered to spend some very special time with some very special people. Will the women be spent from the cooking? Of course! Will the family enjoy the time together? Naturally! Will it be worth all the care and time spent in getting it ready, then cleaning up afterward? Depending! Mom has been the one who has taken the time to get things together. Dad has worked hard to provide the supplies. Now it is up to the family to be "Thankful", Appreciate everything that has gone into the day. Sometime we find the time around the table was great only because we are "stuffed", much like the Turkey.
When we need to remember what has gone into getting this day together.
Prigrims had to thank the Indians for thier part in helping keep them alive by teaching them how to plant and harvest crops here in the "New Land". Their meal was not as grandeous as anything we set down to today. We need to remember what the day is set aside for. A time to be greatful for what we have. For many years things were not as great as they are now (2009).
For every good thing we have, we need to be greatful, and offer up thanks! For Mom who has been so willing to give, "just one more day of service" in putting such a great meal on the table. To Dad for his part in seeing we have the supplies needed for Mom to do her job. Families are ment to be together, to set down together, to enjoy time and conversation. They are also ment to give Thanks for the things they have and the people who love them and see to their needs on a day to day basis. Nothing lasts forever here on this earth. It is only what we do with the things we have that will prepare us for the time when our "Family Will Be Together Forever."
I guess what I am trying to leave today is the thought that we should be greatful and thankful and appreciative everyday in some way for what we have been given, for those who provide and prepare for our comfort and safety.
Some of our families were lucky to have a one room cabin with nothing but a blanket to cover the windows, and a fireplace to keep the cold from biting them. Their food was a lot different from what we enjoy. Much depended on the Season and or the way the family was able to keep what they had grown. No super market, or corner store to go to. No dairy to supply the fresh milk, or butter. No bakery to get bread. Goodies were very few if any at all. I know this sounds like the old story of: "I had to walk to school a mile in the snow". That is not it at all. It is remembering those who have paved the way for the good things we have today. Those who were brave and caring enough to chart a way West, who were willing to go that "extra mile" to find a place where they could be who they wanted to be and live the way they wanted to live. Nothing lasts for ever, and nothing came from nothing! We have much to be Thankful for. I pray the day will never come when we forget the things that have blessed our lives. Those who loved us from a long line of those who loved us. Those who have made our Today better because of the times they lived through to make it all possible. Too many to number, but not to remember.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, this year, and every year that follows this year. Pass on the traditions, the love and the caring that has brought us to this Thanksgiving so that all that pass on after us will be able to set down together and be Blessed because we too "passed this way".
I love you, one and all - FOREVER -
Written this 23 day of November 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg - Grandma "R"
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