Thanksgiving 2020
Thanksgiving for me has been different every year since I married. For many years, we would come to Birmingham and eat 2 Thanksgiving dinners, one at noon and another a few hours later. I can empathize with my adult children who try to juggle holidays. And in a pandemic, it is even worse. Today, I'm just writing a note of encouragement to everyone that is trying to make this day a day of gratitude in a year that has been anything but normal.
I love my family and want to be with them whenever possible. The last time we were together for Thanksgiving was 2018. The picture at the top of this blog is of me and my siblings taken on that beautiful Thursday afternoon. It was our first Thanksgiving together without parents. My mom died in 2014 and my dad in 2016.
On Monday evening, when I found out my Thanksgiving plans had changed for the 3rd time, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I had been gathering things for weeks to take to my siblings when I saw them on Thanksgiving. Since that wasn't possible, my husband agreed to drive me on a 24-hour trip to Birmingham, a sort of progressive Thanksgiving.
glazed and chocolate covered creamed filled, (my mother's favorite)
and enjoying a porch visit with my niece and her family.
She had her second child a few weeks ago.
At 9:30, Bill & I picked up my brother and went to his daughter's house.
She and her husband had purchased their first house last year
and I had never seen it.
She joined us in visiting my brother and sister-in-law.
They were hosting Thanksgiving this year until she tested positive.
We waved at her as we stood on the porch
and she peered out her bedroom door
and my brother waved at the camera.
It was then on to deliver my sister's birthday gift.
(John was born on her 35th birthday-
you do the math). Her son lives
in Birmingham and was willing
to deliver her gift to Auburn
Thanksgiving morning.
We finished our Progressive Covid Thanksgiving
at Johnny's restaurant in Homewood.
My brother's youngest son joined us for lunch.
Bill & I then drove home to Tennessee.
As we were driving north on Interstate 65,
I told him 'I love my family' and in true Bill style,
he said 'and I love you' and he does.
Today, we will watch the parade, zoom with our older kids and grands
and have dinner with John and his new girlfriend.
Thanksgiving food is not his favorite
so we will be enjoying a precooked brisket
from Sam's, potatoes and salad!!
Not the traditional Thanksgiving feast,
but in a year that has been anything but traditional,
I am grateful for my Covid blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
Allyson
PS - Here is the prayer my dad prayed
at our family Thanksgiving 2015.
For some reason, I decided to videotape it.
It was the last time we would hear him pray.
He died a few weeks later.
