Making Memories

This year, Thanksgiving was on my birthday, a gift like no other. Family and friends present with me, laughing, creating and playing, eating and taking long walks. There is no better gift than that. One Facebook friend posted with a wink symbol: "The whole country is preparing special meals today and having parades in your honor." I chuckled. Had that been true, I couldn't have been happier or more grateful than for the simple, fun days we had.

We got to spend it here at the farm, Traylor and I with our two daughters, Caroline and Clara, and with Jon and Sherry Launt, our good friends who were once Charlotte neighbors for twenty-two years.  It seems that small gatherings of family and friends bring special memories because each person brings unique gifts and talents.

Caroline raised the bar on fitness this year wanting half raw foods and daily exercise.  She surprised me with a card that melted my heart. Clara brought her need to laugh and some jars of orange and green putty that made farting noises when squashed. She had the energy to keep playing with the dogs when everyone else was ready for a nap. Both daughters insisted on playing Taboo, the simple game that makes us laugh until we cry, a game they love because as partners, they always win.

Sherry brought gifts of food and wine, a table runner and coasters to use for holidays to come and shared her talent for sewing those gifts--handmade and useful items--which got my creative juices flowing. Jon brought his gift of words to express his wise attitude of humble gratitude.

And what is life without animals? There was Cappuccino, our cat of 16 years and our two rat terriers, Bandit and Rudy. Clara's rat terrier, Stella, lives here and the Launt's brought their large red-brown Australian Shepherd, Kiwi. Dogs that curl around us and keep us warm or bound around us on our long walks enrich us daily.

Traylor suggested that we not cook, but have our meal at the River House Country Inn and Restaurant where our special friends served the traditional turkey, dressing, and gravy, green vegetables, creamed onions, cranberry relish and pumpkin bread pudding. On the way, I sang, "Over the river and through the woods to Gayle Winston's house we go." Traylor's sister Ruth joined us for the meal, making the day just right. It was all such fun.

As Jon remembered those who could not be with us, I thought of my mother who is now well-cared for and happy at Morningside of Auburn and Traylor and Ruth's mom who recently moved to a nursing home. Each year, we make unique memories and then the next year brings something new and different.

What will next year bring? Who won't be here to make new memories? It could be any of us; it could be me. If this were to be my last Thanksgiving, then let it be said, I have been blessed and I am grateful.