It is that harvest time of year, when we, as Americans, invite our friends and family to break bread together in thanks for what we have. Whether we worship God or not, this is not actually a religious holiday. It was initiated during the Civil War, in 1863, by President Lincoln in hopes the US would once again come together to see the greater good of the whole.

Families may not be a whole as they were a year ago. CoVID, cancer, divorce or and other disease, injury or natural life endings may have visited someone who we used to enjoy at the table. Remember to tell the ones that make it, how much you appreciate their presence. Love and kindness are always welcome at these occasions.

Of course, there is always the Uncle who likes to belch, the sister who wears outrageous clothing, the avid sports guy who wants to sit in front of the TV, and the tense political discussion to make us less than comfortable, but still makes memories. Family bickering, a person who has to leave early to stand in line for a Black Friday deal, and that awkward hug or kiss from an older relative to make it all a well remembered day.

In my own family, my liberal Aunt who was against the Vietnam War, got in a fight with my mother (her sister) who supported the war and military. My Aunt went hysterical and left the house for several hours. Although she passed away years ago, we cousins still chuckle about it all. We did have a cousin on the Midway off the coast of Vietnam at the time. Peace hippies and military supporters at the same dinner table can help increase sales of Alka-Seltzer and Pepto-Bismol, for sure. Not to mention the need for Gas-X after the turkey.

Whatever your family tradition or quirky habit, I wish you good food, joy and an evening that does not require antacid. Enjoy the pie, a slice of each, lol. But do offer to help with the dishes, you’ll be loved even more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Credit to my 7-year-old granddaughter Addi, for the turkey picture. Those cranberries were cooked today from a large bag I picked up at the Grayland Cranberry Festival a few weeks ago,]