Thanksgiving Leftovers

I hope this message finds you all feeling grateful and satisfied after the feast!

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving behind cherished memories and delightfully full hearts.

As I reflect on the gathering, I am reminded that there will never be another Thanksgiving quite like the one we just experienced. This realization deepens for me with each passing year.

As I was carefully setting the table I felt wanted to show you my mom's cut crystal glasses from 1960.  These glasses are delicate, However, their fragility was painfully evident when my stepdaughter accidentally knocked one against a hard surface, shattering it into pieces—there goes another one! 

I attempted to capture a close-up photo to showcase  these glasses. 

Though they aren’t Waterford Crystal, which is often revered for its luxury, these were lovingly given to my mom by my dad when they were still in his 20s. It was what he could afford at the time, but they hold a sentimental value that far exceeds their monetary worth.

The BACK STORY

My mom grew up in a challenging environment, raised by a single mother who had faced the harsh reality of being disinherited along with her baby daughter. As I posted on my Thanksgiving post, my mom cultivated a deep appreciation for manners and etiquette, not because she came from wealth—quite the opposite. Her mother, my grandmother, had once enjoyed a life of comfort in a family that valued social graces, believing that those lessons were essential for any young woman. Disowned somewhere around 1934, when my mom was born, in the height of the depression,  my mom grew up in stark contrast to her mom's upbringing —living in dirty, cramped boarding houses and struggling with poverty.

However, my grandmother and my mom carried themselves with dignity. In spite of their circumstance, my mom was still taught about the finer things in life. 

My dear father always did his best to fulfill my mother’s deepest wishes and dreams, a testament to his love for her. 

Years later my mother was fortunate enough to inherit a collection of cherished family heirlooms from her beloved great-aunt following her passing. These precious items, rich with history and sentiment, have since become keepsakes that I now cherish and hold dear.

Okay, Back to Thanksgiving...

We had a wonderfully vibrant gathering filled with laughter and joy. Whenever my two sons come together, it's like watching a comedic duo in action; their antics and playful banter keep us all roaring with laughter. It was heartwarming to witness their camaraderie again, especially since they had experienced a bit of a rift earlier this year—the first time such a thing had ever happened! It truly saddened me to see them in silence, as they navigated their way through this unusual distance. There was no singular event that caused the strain between them; one son simply needed some space to gather his thoughts, and the other, out of respect and love, gave him that space. Yet, it weighed heavily on both of their hearts.

They have always been the best of friends.

In these moments, we are reminded of the importance of unconditional love. We respect their right to take a step back from each other and trust that, as adult men, they will find their way back to the bond they cherish.

Yesterday was a start...

Here is my wedding china, now over 49 years old.  

I've always enjoyed the sunflower pattern. 

My favorite flower. 

With their age, I’ve grown more relaxed about caring for them, placing them in the dishwasher. Yet I can’t help but think that one day, these dishes may end up in a thrift store. I might as well use them! 

I remember my mother’s words—she often foresaw that I would eventually discard my treasures, just as my sister, Donna, did with her belongings, choosing to donate rather than keep. But oh, how wrong she was about me! I love the old stuff that has been passed down to me. Heck, I'm in the last house my parents lived in (not my childhood home) 

Once I depart from this world, I won't be able to witness what happens to them -  which gives me more reason to bring them out more than just special occasions.   But in their frequent use, a piece is bound to suffer—perhaps a break or a chip will betray the careful handling. Still, each imperfection only deepens the piece's character, and those little flaws are just part of their journey.

Out My Back Door 

Beside the vibrant pomegranate tree, sat the little bunny that my mom had in her garden back when she lived on a street called Thumper Drive. Thanksgiving was a beautiful, sunny, and mild day.

I managed to send each guest home with leftovers, and we had enough for my husband to make lunch yesterday. One of my sons, along with his wife and stepdaughter, stayed until 11:45 PM. It was well past midnight before we relaxed enough to go to bed. Thanksgiving 2024 is in the books!

Back to the real life...

Until next time

Debby