The Big Girl Chronicles: Thanksgiving Reflections
As I was pushing my shopping cart through the grocery store hurrying to gather all my necessary ingredients to prepare my ultimate Thanksgiving feast of all times, I accidentally bumped into a fellow shopper riding the wheelchair assisted cart. A closer look in the midst of my apologies revealed that the stranger I thought I had accidentally collided with was in fact an old college friend whom I had lost contact with. I playfully quipped that he was being a lazy shopper riding the handicapped equipment rather than battling the other frantic shoppers on foot, as he was always one full of practical jokes and shortcuts. The expression on his face alerted that this time was no playful prank. He shared that he'd been involved in an accident that spared his life but caused permanent injury. The worst of it though was that there were lives that were lost. I listened dumbfounded as he explained the details of the tragedy that would leave he and his family with fewer loved ones to partake in this year's Thanksgiving celebration. There were no words I could offer that would be a proper consolation, but I attempted to offer encouragement and wished he and his family a pleasant Thanksgiving despite the circumstances. As I continued through the grocery aisles with his story fresh on my mind, I realized my pace and focus had shifted considerably. I began to take notice of others combing the aisles searching for their Thanksgiving fixings and all the things that they no doubt traditionally indulge in this time of season, oblivious it seems that any tragedy could disrupt their lives or what others like my friend might be enduring during this holiday season.
It was in that moment that I realized the true spirit of gratitude. Regardless of what the pilgrims ate however many moons ago or who's playing who on television or what store has the hottest Black Friday deals, the true spirit of this season is in the fellowship of family in friends who have returned to gather another year. So what if I burn the turkey or the dressing is bitter. I'll be glad to hear the complaints of those I love declaring that I'll not be allowed back in the kitchen for next year's feast. I'll be happy to hear mumbling about too much mess to clean while others create an even bigger mess watching the big game. I'll live in the moment as I hunt with fellow shoppers for the hottest electronics, gadgets and deals to wrap for Christmas, keeping the memory of my friend's story in mind.
This holiday season and every moment from now on...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from the BigGirl Chronicles and mine. Warm wishes for a holiday season filled with love of family and friends, peace and prosperity for the new year.
