Twenty five years of Thanksgivings for me were spent in the seat of a patrol car on the graveyard shift. I worked the inevitable domestics, more than a few shootings, stabbings and beatings. I inevitably spent time fighting with some family's family drunk or mediating custody disputes between divorced parents because they could not be the adults they claimed to be. One early Thanksgiving morning found me in the ER with injuries sustained during the discharge of my duties. Afterward I would go home and sleep while my wife would cook a nice Thanksgiving dinner which we had when I woke up. It was usually an intimate affair with close family only.
In my youth they were usually close family affairs with immediate family and some close family friends. They were pleasant relaxing days where everyone pitched in or contributed towards the dinner or the clean up. I do not ever remember an argument heated discussion or anything of the like. We just spent time together as a family and afterward dozed on various pieces of furniture in the house while watching football. All in all a pleasant family experience.
Thank you Enoch. I am now retired and those days are behind me and while I often miss The Job and being given the opportunity to help those that were truly in need, I do not miss the time I spent away from family during holidays while doing The Job. This may sound bitter but, I do not miss the ungrateful asses I ran across along the way and unlike my fellow retired cops I found something else to do with my life after retirement that has nothing to do with Law Enforcement.
I spent yesterday with my Nephew's family, along with my mom, his mom and his mother in law. We had a very nice time playing with the next generation, spanning ages 1-10. We spent time reminiscing about my father who we recently lost. We all chipped on the various dishes (I made an Italian version of green bean casserole) and got to spend some time thinking about the reasons we have to be thankful.
My Canadian friends do roughly the same in October-they are also thankful for most everything besides Pierre's Progeny's government and what it is doing to their country.
Dear Friend AJP: We will celebrate Thanksgiving with family Saturday night after the Shabbat (Sabbath) concludes.
On Thanksgiving, as on the Fourth of July, Memorial and Veterans Days it is my way to go from VA to VA hospitals.
I spend time with those who will not ever leave them.
I read, play cards, talk, watch sports contests and/or do anything they want with them.
I feel it is important they not be alone and feel forgotten or unappreciated on such days.
I am grateful for a family who will be calendar flexible on celebrations to accommodate my efforts on behalf of veterans who do not have to enjoy family or outside contact at such times.
Thanksgiving. A holiday when all of your family is getting together for an awkward dinner. Nobody knows why - all we know it's because we had to eat turkey.
It seems that your family doesn't like turkey. Has your family ever considered preparing and serving something that everyone would enjoy so your day wouldn't be so awkward?
Our school children explain it to us. Because of the pilgrims etc. Pilgrims being fed by the native Americans. Yet, there is no celebration of Native Americans. Just eating turkey, potatoes and cranberry sauce. And Football on TV.
It's sad that this seems to be the meaning of "giving thanks" in some families - but to each, his/her own.
Anyone has a different experience?
Indeed! In my family ---
Adults taught the children to be thankful for our many blessings and to pay it forward. Adults set an example by taking them to volunteer at food banks and serve meals at shelters year-round, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Even today, we continue the family traditions of helping those who are less fortunate.
Our combined family is large and comprised of many races, ethnic descents, sexual orientations, and political beliefs. I'm thankful that we've always been mature, flexible and rarely argue.
We also don't have a "rule" that our Thanksgiving meal must be shared on the last Thursday of November or that it must be a "traditional" Thanksgiving turkey meal. This, in and of itself, is something for which I have always been thankful! We've never had a set Thanksgiving Day menu. The host/hostess creates a very varied menu. We've even had leg of lamb, shish kebab, and other delicious Middle Eastern foods. Each of us brings something from the menu (beverages, appetizers, main meal, desserts), and everyone cleans up so the host/hostess isn't left with days of clean-up and an aching back.
My family gets along ok, so dinner is fun rather than awkward. My mom tried to turn the whole thing over to me and my sister one year when she was recovering from surgery, but couldn't handle it when we used our own recipes, so she's back to doing most of the cooking. Her choice.
Nobody in my family likes sweet potatoes, but my SIL made some, so Dad and I choked some down.
Mom, sis, SIL, and I did the black Friday thing, but not until afternoon, when the crowds had subsided. It's a rare girls' day for us. I am now finished with most of my Christmas shopping.
We have 2 Thanksgiving traditions that alternate yearly.
1. My side of the family rents a cabin outside of Gatlinburg TN Wednesday through Saturday. We all gather, bring food and go for a Thanksgiving day hike.
2. We have Thanksgiving at our house for my wife's side of the family. The guest list has grown over the years to include about 30 people. It's a lot of work, but we have a great time.
This year was the year to host TG at our house, but my dad had emergency open heart surgery last week at 80 years old so we had to cancel. So, My wife, my mother and myself had our thanksgiving dinner in a hospital cafeteria.
For the past several years, my wife and I had at times, dreaded traveling to Gatlinburg or hosting a house full. There were times when a Thanksgiving seemed to be defined by the empty chair....like the first after my father-in-law passed, or when our son was in Afghanistan. This year, Thanksgiving was defined by sharing and listening to complete strangers in the ICU waiting room.
Spending a holiday in a hospital waiting room has a way of shifting perspective quite a bit. We met several many wonderful families all going through the same thing.
I am thankful for many things this holiday. From dads surgeon who has checked on him twice a day for 2 weeks without a day off to the awesome ICU nursing staff who's compassion seems to have no limit.
Dear Friend Iamak47: As a specialist in end of life Pastoral Care I can attest to the dedication, compassion and sacrifices made by those who care of r us toward the culmination of our time in this life.
This year was the year to host TG at our house, but my dad had emergency open heart surgery last week at 80 years old so we had to cancel. So, My wife, my mother and myself had our thanksgiving dinner in a hospital cafeteria.
I hope your father has a speedy and uneventful recovery.
Twenty five years of Thanksgivings for me were spent in the seat of a patrol car on the graveyard shift. I worked the inevitable domestics, more than a few shootings, stabbings and beatings. I inevitably spent time fighting with some family's family drunk or mediating custody disputes between divorced parents because they could not be the adults they claimed to be. One early Thanksgiving morning found me in the ER with injuries sustained during the discharge of my duties. Afterward I would go home and sleep while my wife would cook a nice Thanksgiving dinner which we had when I woke up. It was usually an intimate affair with close family only.
In my youth they were usually close family affairs with immediate family and some close family friends. They were pleasant relaxing days where everyone pitched in or contributed towards the dinner or the clean up. I do not ever remember an argument heated discussion or anything of the like. We just spent time together as a family and afterward dozed on various pieces of furniture in the house while watching football. All in all a pleasant family experience.
Dear Friend Bluestride: I Am happy your early days with family were positive.
I respect and applaud your service while in uniform.
Those who serve and protect in any way are the best of us.
Gratefully,
Enoch.
Thank you Enoch. I am now retired and those days are behind me and while I often miss The Job and being given the opportunity to help those that were truly in need, I do not miss the time I spent away from family during holidays while doing The Job. This may sound bitter but, I do not miss the ungrateful asses I ran across along the way and unlike my fellow retired cops I found something else to do with my life after retirement that has nothing to do with Law Enforcement.
Dear Friend Bluestride: After I rotated back to civilian from the military, I entered the community of commerce.
In a decade I worked my way up the ladder to CEO.
I lasted there about a dozen years.
I retired and became a rabbi and Chaplain.
I have never looked back.
I perform Pastoral Services, mostly end of life care.
I officiate at funerals, and serve on courts of Jewish law in various capacities.
I don't do as many sermons and lead Services as I used to do.
I still do.
At our age, Mrs. E. and I relish being able to celebrate the Sabbath together.
To spend the time together we could not do when both of us were traveling down the highways of life at 95 PMH in a 65 speed limit.
We are proud of the help we gave.
There is life after life.
Here's to life.
In all its glorious forms.
Peace ans Abundant Blessings to You and Yours Always.
Enoch.
Dear Friend Bluestride: My brother three cousins and I, as our fathers all served in the U.S. Army.
We all feel strongly that America is worth defending.
We join you and others in that.
Proudly.
Enoch.
I spent yesterday with my Nephew's family, along with my mom, his mom and his mother in law. We had a very nice time playing with the next generation, spanning ages 1-10. We spent time reminiscing about my father who we recently lost. We all chipped on the various dishes (I made an Italian version of green bean casserole) and got to spend some time thinking about the reasons we have to be thankful.
My Canadian friends do roughly the same in October-they are also thankful for most everything besides Pierre's Progeny's government and what it is doing to their country.
Dear Friend Spikegary: The joy of generations of family celebrating the good things in life is time well invested for all generations.
Remembering those who transited is an important part of this for one and all.
Well done.
Enoch.
Dear Friend AJP: We will celebrate Thanksgiving with family Saturday night after the Shabbat (Sabbath) concludes.
On Thanksgiving, as on the Fourth of July, Memorial and Veterans Days it is my way to go from VA to VA hospitals.
I spend time with those who will not ever leave them.
I read, play cards, talk, watch sports contests and/or do anything they want with them.
I feel it is important they not be alone and feel forgotten or unappreciated on such days.
I am grateful for a family who will be calendar flexible on celebrations to accommodate my efforts on behalf of veterans who do not have to enjoy family or outside contact at such times.
Enoch.
It seems that your family doesn't like turkey. Has your family ever considered preparing and serving something that everyone would enjoy so your day wouldn't be so awkward?
It's sad that this seems to be the meaning of "giving thanks" in some families - but to each, his/her own.
Indeed! In my family ---
Adults taught the children to be thankful for our many blessings and to pay it forward. Adults set an example by taking them to volunteer at food banks and serve meals at shelters year-round, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Even today, we continue the family traditions of helping those who are less fortunate.
Our combined family is large and comprised of many races, ethnic descents, sexual orientations, and political beliefs. I'm thankful that we've always been mature, flexible and rarely argue.
We also don't have a "rule" that our Thanksgiving meal must be shared on the last Thursday of November or that it must be a "traditional" Thanksgiving turkey meal. This, in and of itself, is something for which I have always been thankful! We've never had a set Thanksgiving Day menu. The host/hostess creates a very varied menu. We've even had leg of lamb, shish kebab, and other delicious Middle Eastern foods. Each of us brings something from the menu (beverages, appetizers, main meal, desserts), and everyone cleans up so the host/hostess isn't left with days of clean-up and an aching back.
My family gets along ok, so dinner is fun rather than awkward. My mom tried to turn the whole thing over to me and my sister one year when she was recovering from surgery, but couldn't handle it when we used our own recipes, so she's back to doing most of the cooking. Her choice.
Nobody in my family likes sweet potatoes, but my SIL made some, so Dad and I choked some down.
Mom, sis, SIL, and I did the black Friday thing, but not until afternoon, when the crowds had subsided. It's a rare girls' day for us. I am now finished with most of my Christmas shopping.
Sear Friend Sandy: This reminds me, I need to get off my duff and do the Chanukah gift shopping.
Mrs. E. will fly to Israel this December 18th.
Separately, our daughter in law and grandson (his birthday is 12/18) are flying there.
Family wedding.
Dual ceremonies.
One here (I officiated at that on Long Island), and again in Jerusalem.
We have family in both nations.
I will be here all December.
That forthcoming snow isn't going to shovel itself.
Grins.
Enoch.
Dear Friend XDm9mm: Thank you kindly.
Please accept our best wishes for a joyous and meaningful holiday season forthcoming.
However the Spirit moves you and yours, we are with you in brotherhood and fellowship.
Peace and Abundant Blessings Always to You and Yours.
Enoch.
Happy Chanukah, and safe travels to Mrs. E. May both your shopping crowds and your snowfalls be light.
Dear Friend Sandy: Many thanks.
More reciprocal best wishes to you and yours.
Enoch.
We have 2 Thanksgiving traditions that alternate yearly.
1. My side of the family rents a cabin outside of Gatlinburg TN Wednesday through Saturday. We all gather, bring food and go for a Thanksgiving day hike.
2. We have Thanksgiving at our house for my wife's side of the family. The guest list has grown over the years to include about 30 people. It's a lot of work, but we have a great time.
This year was the year to host TG at our house, but my dad had emergency open heart surgery last week at 80 years old so we had to cancel. So, My wife, my mother and myself had our thanksgiving dinner in a hospital cafeteria.
For the past several years, my wife and I had at times, dreaded traveling to Gatlinburg or hosting a house full. There were times when a Thanksgiving seemed to be defined by the empty chair....like the first after my father-in-law passed, or when our son was in Afghanistan. This year, Thanksgiving was defined by sharing and listening to complete strangers in the ICU waiting room.
Dear Friend Iamak47: I am always available through site private notes, and personal email for any and all support you wish on your terms.
Trust that I know all too well the pain of empty chair(s) at a holiday table.
Peace, Abundant Blessings, Many Good Times and Fond Memories to Come.
Enoch.
Many thanks Enoch.
Spending a holiday in a hospital waiting room has a way of shifting perspective quite a bit. We met several many wonderful families all going through the same thing.
I am thankful for many things this holiday. From dads surgeon who has checked on him twice a day for 2 weeks without a day off to the awesome ICU nursing staff who's compassion seems to have no limit.
Dear Friend Iamak47: As a specialist in end of life Pastoral Care I can attest to the dedication, compassion and sacrifices made by those who care of r us toward the culmination of our time in this life.
Outstanding people and efforts.
Good on them.
E.
I hope your father has a speedy and uneventful recovery.
Dear Friend Sandy: Well said and meant.
Would that all on the Internet had your grace, style, caring, and support.
You embody the qualities we celebrate on every holiday.
Thank you.
Gratefully,
Enoch.
Enoch, I wish I were all that you say I am. I try, but fall far short of the mark. Thank you for inspiring me to better things by being you.