Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful that I am not shopping for food right now. We're going to go spend some time in fellowship with the cousins and in-laws - my 9 months pregnant sister-in-law is probably scrubbing her floors in preparation for our arrival as I type. I'm really hoping she goes into labor, so we all can tag along to the hospital, and I can witness a baby being born. Even though I've been present for the births of six little darlings, I was always so flustered at the time. And I really want to hold a little baby. So I'm also thankful that our newest cousin (until the in utero one is born) will also be a part of this Thanksgiving celebration.

What I'm really thankful for is that we have such a good time with our siblings and parents.  I'm looking forward not only to six kinds of pie, but also to the comfortable fun of hanging out with family.  I could be cynical and say that distance has preserved our fondness for each other, but I'd rather believe that we genuinely enjoy each other's company. I never saw any irony in the Norman Rockwell painting.  The experience of distance gets buried under the memories of connection.

But even the long drive is something to anticipate - I want to get some reading done.

Happy feasting to everyone.

2 comments:

GretchenJoanna said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Emily! I won't be the hostess this year, either, for the third year in a row. It sounds as though you have a good weekend ahead. Enjoy!

Anne said...

Oh how I remember scrubbing floors while pregnant! I'm grateful that I get to see and hold lots of babies where I work-still, there's something extra special when it's your own sweet darling you hold!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reading is one form of escape. Running for your life is another.
-Lemony Snicket