Thanksgiving Time

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving 2004

I’m sharing a few images from Thanksgiving’s past…the top photo was last year when, for the first time since 2004, I was present with my husband and daughter, for Thanksgiving in the US.  The bottom photo was the last Thanksgiving I spent in the US before coming abroad to eventually meet my husband in 2005.  My Grandfather, Dale, is sat with his side to the camera.  This picture was taken in the early years of his Alzheimer’s which would eventually claim him in 2008, two days before his 85th birthday.

I’ve become a bit emotional, suddenly realising that it’s nearly Thanksgiving in America.  You see, living here in the UK as I have done for the last 4+ years, you tend to forget those classically, singularly American holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July…understandably so!  I don’t imagine the English relish honouring two holidays which represent American freedom from the oppressor…England.

Thanksgiving for me was always a very special holiday.  Not for presents or special events.  Thanksgiving isn’t about that.  It’s about family.  Coming together, sometimes once a year in many families cases, for a meal and to share a day together.  The majority of Thanksgiving centres around the meal.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweetcorn, cranberry sauce, rolls, pumpkin pie and of course every family’s individual takes on the holiday: Deviled Eggs, Green Bean Casserole, Apple Pie in our. household.  Occasionally we would go around the table and say what we were thankful for.  So, in honour of American Thanksgiving, celebrated tomorrow, November 26, here is what I am thankful for:

• I’m thankful that I have found the love of my life and am living a very happy, healthy and fulfilling life in England.
• I’m thankful that we have an amazingly gorgeous daughter who makes our lives better and filled with laughter and joy.
• I’m thankful that my daughter, my husband and I are healthy and well (knock on wood).
• I’m thankful for my family in England who have welcomed me with open arms and make being 4000 miles away from my family easier.
• I’m thankful for my family all over the US…you all are LOVELY and I miss you a lot, especially on days like Thanksgiving.
• I’m thankful that although our finances are seriously limited, we can afford to have me stay at home and raise our daughter to be a stellar member of English and American society.
• I’m thankful for the generosity of friends and family who have made this year such a happy and fulfilling one.
• I’m thankful that my Grandfather is now in heaven and no longer suffers…I’m thankful that my memories of him are ones that are happy and joyful and not of him when he was no longer Grandpa.
• I’m thankful that I found blogging so I can share these thoughts and release some of the emotions that build up at times like this.

So, Happy Thanksgiving America!  I’ll think of you tomorrow, starting your turkeys in the oven at 8am and basting and basting throughout the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and sitting down at 1pm to glorious meals and beautiful tables.  Raise a glass for me in England…

Happy Thanksgiving America!