by Olivia Bredbenner

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 22, 2009

If it were not for the frost on the great wetlands today, I would hardly remember the warmth of yesterday's spring . Again our November brings us the opportunity to be aware of those things for which we are each thankful. And, as if to demand that each of us take inventory of our lives. It brings to the forefront concern for others who may be less fortunate. It allows us the opportunity to donate to this cause and give to the multiple food banks that scurry around each year before this holiday. For most of us, this thankful awareness creeps into this day of Thanksgiving.

It is with this thought in mind that I invite you to join us this year. Although it is a virtual trip. Please make yourself at home. Assimilate our thanksgiving holiday. Fill your heart with the nourishment that you may need.

As we all bow our heads when grace is said. We sometimes stumble in our haste. We remember those who are with us and those who are not. In our hearts they are always brought to our table. As the turkey sits helpless on its majestic plate one might even wonder if he knew, would he "almost " be proud that he looked so good? Every imaginable vegetable dish and mounds of the mashed. will fill every vacant space on the table. Each of them adding the fall colors to our delightful feast.

As we all try to help the gracious hosts, we take a deep breath and finally take seats at our sumptuous table. We can't help feeling richer on this day. Our abundance of family and fortune is in no way related to monetary wealth. But in blessings that sit at our table. These are the things that money can't buy. The knitting together of invisible threads that grow tighter each year and are meant to bond us to one another for a lifetime.

Once again, we are part of each other as we sit around the table each Thanksgiving. This has become a family tradition. One that began when there were just two of us . Each year as we raise our Thanksgiving toast to our gathering. I see changes in each of us that reminds me of the unharnessed time that passes so quickly.

Is that my hand holding the wine glass? It seems to have become that of my grandmothers. The blooming granddaughters chatter with each other, obviously in search for who they are becoming. They are dressed in finery, that belies their usual jeans. With innocent eyes, they give knowing smiles to one another as they laugh at the antics of their fathers.

Our grandsons , sit on bended knees and only for short seated moments. They spend time observing

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