The turkey is in its bath of brine.
The onions and celery are chopped for dressing.
The salad dressing is made and the recipes are all printed out.
Perhaps the day will come when this all seems like second nature. But for some reason, especially this year, I am feeling very out of place -- even in my own kitchen.
As it is after midnight, today is officially November 22. Mom, you would have been 65 today and we would have spent this past evening out to dinner at a lovely restaurant, celebrating your birthday and discussing all the preparations to be done for the joyous holiday that is to be tonight. Thanksgiving was always a very special holiday to you, and therefore to me, and this year it seems even more poignant, as it falls on your birthday.
The tears that flow at this hour are no longer from the onions, rather they are from a heart that is broken again that you are not here to complete the tradition that we so solemnly set forth to create. Thanksgiving was a day of thanks, for sure, but more than that, it was our day. I promise, while I will hold your memory near and dear, I will not sully it by making anything less than a fabulous holiday fete for all who join us.
As usual, we will be with family. Ken and I have forged a family unit as one that I am so proud of and thankful for. Ken's folks will be here, as will be a few close friends and a few "strays" who I just felt needed a place to land. Gee, I wonder where I learned that generosity of spirit.
Dad was going to join us, but due to some health issues, we all felt the drive was not in his best interest. We will see him next week and celebrate with him at that point.
I am going to sleep now, and will, no doubt, dream of happy Thanksgivings we shared and of course, all that there are still to be. When I wake, I will remember all the things I am most thankful for. But right now, at this moment, the only thing I see in front of me are my tears and a picture of you.
I love you Mom. Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Birthday!
2 comments:
A beautiful post, Amy... I'm willing to bet your Mom organized her own celebration somewhere today and rose a toast to you and the wonderful life you've continued to build over the last year.
I'm sorry your Dad was not able to make it today, I hope he is feeling better.
I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with happiness!
I second Lora, this was so beautiful. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you celebrated your favorite holiday and your mom in your own special way. Sorry Charming and I could not make it. We spent the whole weekend with his parents, they seemed to really need us around and we actually had a good time.
But I was thinking of you the whole time!
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