The first Monday in October...Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Usually it is colder weather, quite often raining but this year was something special. It has been hot and sunny and not a drop of rain, allowing us to enjoy the weekend in ways we often cannot. I read in the newspaper today that a local apple orchard was a hive of activity yesterday as families took advantage of the weather to spend quality time together and enjoy the harvest.
In this family we always have our big meal on the Sunday which enables us to enjoy the meal, the time together and not feel that we are going to be rushing off to our regular weekly routine in the morning. It means a chance to sleep in a little longer and allow all that food to digest.
Our meal last night was a little different and one I suppose we will become accustomed to, hopefully over the short period. We were only 4 at the table. From having been 8 with both sides of the family present at holiday family meals, as we have lost some of those we love, we have dwindled. We were a small family to begin with as you can see. We have been 5 for a long time and now with my mother-in-law in convalescent care we are only 4. We might be 5 at Christmas but there is no telling at this point. And of course I look forward to the day when there are "significant others" and hopefully grandchildren joining us at the table.
I have given thanks for many things over the years. Last night it was that our family of 4 was able to be together this weekend and reconnect with our sons coming and going in their new adult lives.
That is giving thanks.
Hello! Happy Thanksgiving! We are transitioning here - all my children are grown, but last Saturday we were able to get together for lunch - it was so fun! Love your roses. Cherishing and giving thanks for each moment is wonderful,
ReplyDeleteKathy
The rose is perfect...
ReplyDeleteWhile your family is smaller, it is still whole...and may expand one day. But this is perfect, for right now. I am so happy you had a wonderful weekend.
xo
I love the way you give thanks using the metaphor of a rose. And we are indeed blessed to be with family at Thanksgiving – whatever the number at the table.
ReplyDeleteAs for our digestive systems? I am still feeling STUFFED!
I give thanks for YOU being my friend. Kibble, Matches and all!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
LuLu~*xoxo
Happy (late) Thanks giving to you Sherry. I believe all is well the way as it is just right ... so even at 4 it is the way it is supposed to be for you at this moment (but the human/physical part of me understand it may feel empty without those that are gone ... oh I so do understand that!). The rose is wonderful and your gentle Soul brings hope to my heart! love :-)
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful, Sherry. Seasons change. You're appreciating that and enjoying what you have, today. That is all we have. xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you Sherry. Finding time to be with family is always a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI love your words about the rose you still have blooming in your garden. Enjoy this quiet Monday :-)
Happy Thanksgiving Sherry. Our family ebbs and flows too, it's numbers are down a little bit lately as all the kids disperse to college and new lives, but I know that as they make new families our table will some day be full again!
ReplyDeleteI still have a couple roses blooming in the garden too. Somehow these last roses look even more beautiful than the ones that bloomed this summer:>)
Happy Thanksgiving to you :-)
ReplyDeleteWe celebrate the Christmas season in the same way. It is always difficult knowing who will or won't be there.
I feel for you xx
Happy Thanksgiving. Sounds like a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Thanksgiving Sherry.Our family is just about the same this year.We celebrate Thanksgiving in November.Oh and you have a bd then too lol.
ReplyDeleteI have the same color of rose in a photo I just took of my rose garden today.It was to gorgeous to pass by.I still have my 2 little bushes really blooming as well.They are gorgeous.Im so glad I found out roses arent difficult to grow as some had told me they were.
Blessings!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!! It sounds like you enjoyed the most perfect day. This Indian Summer has allowed for some wonderful outdoor activities, for sure. I'm happy you enjoyed a special day!
ReplyDeleteLovely nature analogies, my soft and sweet core sings to read this. We, too, have celebrated much warmer than normal temps, and that is one thing I have been grateful for this weekend. Shorts, sandals, tshirts, running out the door without a care for a jacket - oh-so rare by october 9, but oh-so wonderful when it does happen. Plenty to love about this weekend here too.
ReplyDeleteOur Christmas day is much the same, we have gone from our little crew plus both sets of grandparents to just one precious Grandma left, as the years tick over we wonder how much time we have together - each year is a gift.
ReplyDeletei hope by christmas the table is set for five !!
ReplyDeletei have noticed that when i have enough food for three, now that the son is back at home, he's not here for dinner....AND then when i think he'll be gone and only have something for the hubby and i, he asks what's for dinner.....arrghhhh