Thanksgiving Memories to Be Treasured

As a child I grew up in New Orleans, a place known for cultural connectivity, food and festivities. There is a strong sense of family even those that were not really related bonded together in a neighborhood. I have fond memories of my family's Thanksgiving Day traditions. The preparation for the holiday by my Grandmothers, my parents and aunts was almost as much fun as the actual holiday. We cruised through the isles of the local grocery stores - yes plural! They had to have the right ingredients for that Creole food- mmm.. Gumbo, Large Baskets of fruit, Walnuts, Stuffed Oyster Patties, Stuffed Mirlitons, Glazed Ham, and of course a Crown Roast and tadahhh the Turkey. There's nothing like a New Orleans Creole Style Thanksgiving. There were key players in making the event special. I just wanted to reflect on them today and whisper Thanks to ABBA for my great cloud of witnesses that are cheering me on.

Now that I am an adult I understand that even as a little girl observing and "helping in the kitchen" legacies were being created. Rich treasures of the heart.

My Tot(my grandmother) took the time to share her recipes and how our traditions were born. She shared that having family was something to be thankful for everyday. My grandmother was a faith filled woman- she had a personal relationship with the Father that carried her through the storms of life and brought her into a peaceful place. She has smile that would warm the coldest of hearts. I loved to just hold her or lay my head on her chest. Her hugs assured me that all was well. She believed that we were more than conquerors and a prayer life was a must.

My Momma, there are so many words to describe her but I'll just chose -The love of Christ. We sometimes had Thanksgiving dinner hosted at our house. That was fun and interesting. It created a buzz of housework, closet cleaning, curtains being changed, and chandeliers dusted, I don't think Like that part as a child. I just wanted the food and fellowship.

The kitchen would be filled aromas that would capture you. My sister and I wanted to be the samplers:) The morning of Thanksgiving we started off with a prayer and breakfast. I loved to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with my sleepy parents and older sister.

She like her mother had a personality that never really knew a stranger. My momma
would allow me to wear an apron too even though it reached the floor. I was glued to her side and followed her around intently. She didn't mind she embraced it. It was an excellent way to keep a close watch on me- I was quite the busybody in the family.
I would intently listen and watch the masterpieces being created. However, on occasion I would veer off and make my own creation - My mom would clap but probably thought now what in the world is this little girl doing! My momma always saw the best in us, and encouraged us that the extra mile was always worth the trip. She was affectionate and playful. She was a teacher and it was what she did best.

My mother was an evangelist- she extended Salvation and hope to the lost. She ministered to others willingly. Therefore, our house was a house of laughter and celebration on Thanksgiving. Friends and family would gather there was standing room only.
I can remember being perched on a high back chair while my mother whisked around the kitchen, taught life lessons and still managed to pull off a kiss to my forehead. She amazed me at times. Working mom, wife,PTA meetings, Ministry and a terminal illness- she shared that God was the strength of her life, her friend, and Comforter. He supplied her needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus. She never would give another God's credit.
Thanks Momma!


My daddy prepared the house, he along with my sister and I polished the flatware. I thought we were wealthy because it seemed like the table settings were for royalty. My grandparents china graced the table, crystal glassware, mini china settings for the little ones. It was a day fit for a Queen. Thanks Daddy, it meant so much to me.
Hmm..my daddy, what other words describe him- My hero. He was a keeper! Full of love, laughter, and wisdom. He strongly believed in family and unity. He was not a learned man educationally, but wow was he wise. He lived his life for my sister and I. My father had two jobs but seemed to find energy for a tea party, or a game of Tag.
We were buddies. I will admit I am a Daddy's Girl to the fullest. I was his littlest friend as he put it. I loved to sit on my Daddy's lap in my favorite all in one pj's and watch the Macy's parade. Despite the fact he may have worked all night he was up like clockwork. It was our tradition. My sister complained- she was eight years older than me but still watched the parade with one eye open. My daddy seemed to love the idea of having people over for a Thanksgiving feast. He made special preparations to the lawn, the house- a regular Mr. fix it. He greeted our guest with a welcoming smile, handshakes hugs and kisses. He like my mother never met a stranger. The feast was available to all. He taught me the importance of giving to others, helping and just how much one hug can mean to someone. Saying I love you was a daily action, not just on special occasions. Kisses on my forehead were not just reserved for bedtime, but anytime one was needed. It represented a "It's going to be alright" The same assurance God has given me now that my parents and Tot have passed on.

So today, Father I thank you for my parents and my grandmother. They invested rich deposits into my natural and spiritual man. They trained me up in the way I should have gone. When I veered off course they guided me back to a safe place in you. Lord thank you for the legacy of love this Thanksgiving. Thanks for allowing me to come to the understanding that to have the quality time was for more important than the quantity of time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all readers and their families.

Psst..my children and I our gearing up for prayer, food and of course the Macy's Parade!!