Thanksgiving

It's a gathering.

We have access to television but don't always take advantage of it. This morning I tuned in and the theme, on every morning program, is Thanksgiving. Topiaries, photo booths, tricks and tips to encourage conversation between the young and old at the table, were just a few of the segments.

How sad. I do hope that Thanksgiving for most Americans is a gathering, one that does not need topiaries or expensive tableware, stylish table cloths or involves feelings of inadequacy. It's a gathering of friends or family or both, of memories, of hope for future Thanksgiving dinners. It does not need to be perfect, photo perfect, family perfect or perfect-perfect. It needs only to happen. Attempted.

This is Anna Maria's first Thanksgiving and sadly, her Papi will be absent as he is off working hard for us both. We will miss him dearly. We will be spending Thanksgiving with family, her Madrinas. I am thankful for the chance to spend it with my long time friends and family, I've seen very little of them these past 18 months.

Last year Jacob and I spent Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania, sitting as close as we could to each other in the booth of a wonderful restaurant that was near our motor lodge. I watched the Macy's parade, we got dressed, walked over and enjoyed our little dinner. I was nearly four months pregnant. We then watched old movies the rest of the day. We were together.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was buttered toast, jelly beans and popcorn, served outside on a ping-pong table with mismatched chairs. Peppermint Patty was disgusted. That always saddened me because Snoopy and Woodstock did their best.

All you can do is your best, serve it with genuine love. I sincerely hope that no one gets caught up with the superficial this Thanksgiving. Don't get hung up on the menu, decor, sitting arrangements etc...be flexible, be open, be thankful. We have so few of these in a lifetime.