A COVID-19 Thanksgiving

Saturday, 10 October 2020

Yesterday it was 0°C when I woke up. Today was 19°C. I thought the thermometer was broken as I opened the door to step outside for my morning photo. I was pleasantly surprised at how warm it actually was!

Today we’re celebrating Thanksgiving. Our second holiday during the pandemic… Another one without family. I’m thankful Mom and I live together because it would be lonesome celebrating alone. (See what I did there? Thankful on Thanksgiving.)

We decided to have an early dinner, then pack up and deliver meals for my family who couldn’t be with us. We delivered turkey with all the trimmings to two locations, staying a safe distance each time.

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My niece and her partner were excited to receive their bag. To show her appreciation, Sami left Rockets for me on the doorstep. I love Rockets! Thanks Sam!

My sister made her signature broccoli and cauliflower cheese casserole. Holiday meals are not the same without it. She also threw in a couple of slices of homemade pumpkin pie! Yum 😋 Now all that was missing was my brother’s homemade dinner rolls. Maybe for Christmas?!

Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t what we’re used to, which is everyone gathering here, coming together to share an afternoon and an incredible meal. Everyone has a role and something to bring to the celebration, whether it’s mashing the potatoes, making buns or veggies, carving the turkey, setting the table, making decorations, pouring wine, sharing stories, creating a playlist, bringing the spare chairs up from the basement or just being there, each and every one has a role. It’s a role that takes place in the bigger dynamics of family life, not just the celebratory meals. Today, you were greatly missed – not just because I got stuck doing dishes 😉 – but your personalities, the way we come together and fit so well, the teasing, the laughter, the joy. I missed it and you today.

I’m grateful for you in my life. I am thankful for the family celebrations we have had and I know we’ll have more again soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!