Thanksgiving Memories

Another Thanksgiving week is almost in the history books. I hope yours was beautiful and blessed. Mine certainly was. If you aren't remotely interested, you might scroll on by.

One of my beloved cousins in Mississippi, Debbie Allen Tate, invited us (Me, Dayle, Mother and Stan) to come stay the entire week with her and husband Dale. We questioned Debbie's sanity more than once, but she was serious, and in the end, it was an offer we couldn’t refuse. The drive to Aberdeen isn’t a quick one, but we finally made it there Monday night, and what a memorable time we had thereafter! Whenever Dale wasn’t outdoing himself at the grill and Debbie wasn’t making magic in her gorgeous kitchen, we laughed a lot, we hugged a lot, we talked, we listened, and we even shed a few tears. I enjoyed some alone time on their front porch, soaking in the stunning scenery and thanking God for family and counting blessings.

What a treat it was, seeing other cousins in the area and meeting everyone’s kids for the first time. I hadn’t seen Hoyt Allen (Debbie’s twin) in almost two decades. Jimmy and Ruby Allen prepared dinner for everyone at their home one evening—ribs, pulled pork and delectable fixings. I failed to snap any photos there—too busy eating and talking, I suppose—but it was a great time of being together.

Thanksgiving Day was perfect, gathered at the table with so many people I love. Everything was delicious and plentiful. Needless to say, I brought a few extra pounds home with me, but no regrets. I’ll post an album of pictures later, but this one I've posted was a favorite: Jimmy, Hoyt and Debbie, singing one of their dad’s songs on Thanksgiving Day. Musical roots run deep in our families, and I like to think that our dearly departed loved ones were looking down and maybe even singing along.

Life has quickly returned to normal—just me and the ticking clocks. I already miss everyone, and I’ll cherish the memories we created for many years to come. If you’re still with me, dear friend, may God bless you and may you embrace the many gifts that money cannot buy.