I’ve always enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday, not only for what it represents but for how my family celebrates.
It’s that combination of great food, great conversation, and tomfoolery.
It’s even sweeter when there are infants around, and this year it’s our youngest granddaughter, Halle. She’s her own, portable life of the party, with a combination of giggles and infant spit, punctuated by those cries that will soon be replaced by the word, “NO!”
My lovely and talented wife and I have four children, and we spent most of the 1990s changing diapers. My shirts had about a permanent drool stain on the front of each shoulder from rocking and cuddling one of our now adult children. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Our clan gathered this year not only to celebrate Thanksgiving, but my mothers 90th birthday, which was on November 18th. Ninety years, and she’s mentally sharp, gets around just fine, drives, and enjoys the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
My Mom is rather vocal about the next decade. She’s claims she’s going to make that magical 100th birthday, and considering that her Mother, and all of her grandparents, either made triple digits or were close (all with good quality of life), I have no reason to doubt her. I’m convinced that as long as she keeps “going,” it’s attainable.
Those who have nonagenarian parents who they are able to enjoy time with “get it.” It’s every bit as special as dealing with the upcoming generation, but with a sense of wonderment that only a lifetime of experiences can provide.
The fact that I’m soon to be 66 years old and can pick up the phone and call Mom is amazing to me. Of course, I’m the guy who looks in the mirror and wonders how the distinguished gentleman who’s looking back at me is in my room.
Sitting with my Mom on my left, and my Granddaughter on my right knee, I can’t help but think that there’s a good possibility that I’m sitting in between a legacy that could likely span 200 years.
One of my favorite quotes comes to mind – “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us: what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
The words of Albert Pike.
Remember when you share time with your youngest and eldest relatives. And when you give this “Giving Tuesday”.
I hope you and yours had a very Happy Thanksgiving.
