by Rich Weatherly
Family Patriarch and Pioneer
As we prepare for the big day, there is no better time to stop and reflect on how richly blessed we are. My earliest memories of Thanksgiving go back to my Great-Grandmother’s gathering on the lawn outside her house in Southeast Irving, Texas. We lived a block or so down Shady Grove Road from her place. It was a misty afternoon but that never dampened the spirits. It was a large gathering that included her brothers and at least one sister. I remember Uncle Dick and Uncle Lewis, Aunt Maude and their families. There were the Story, Bell, Weatherly, Houston and more other families than I can remember. The important thing is we were together having wonderful fellowship. Who would forget the food?
There were the old standby’s; turkey and dressing, ham, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, a host of casseroles and finally desserts. One could always expect pecan pies, lemon meringue pie, cakes galore and more.
Since then so many who left a rich legacy have gone on. Now we gather with our own families and grandchildren. This has been such a special year with the pending 50th high school reunion and the opportunity to reconnect with classmates. There have been a host of poets and authors who have become social media friends. Being invited to join the Denton Poets’ Society was special and that led to becoming a member of the Poetry Society of Texas.
Thanksgiving is all about doing just that, giving thanks for all of these blessings. I think it is more about community and relationships than anything else. So one again, I want to wish everyone, you and yours a warm and blessed Thanksgiving Season in this Year of Our Lord 2012.
Rich Weatherly - Author 
Faith, family, friends and food. That’s what it’s all about. 🙂 Have a wonderful gathering this year, Rich, and may you have even more to be thankful for next year.
Thanks T.James. That’s a great way to put it 🙂 Here’s to wishing the same to you and yours! 🙂
That’s lovely, Richard. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Elise!
May you spread the love and joy, memories and reflections with you and yours on this Thanksgiving Holiday!
Rich
I hope you and yours enjoy a wonderful celebration of family and blessings. Happy Thanksgiving Rich.
Thank you, Sandy!
The idea for this Thanksgiving post came from a scene involving similar words of appreciation and thanks-giving in my current WIP. It delayed my writing today and yet, I felt it fitting and proper to add my own personal reflections.
These memories and reflections can’t help but magnify the gifts we have in our appreciation of one another.
Let us all try to continue these sentiments throughout the holiday season. This truly has been a special year. It’s an honor to share it.
Rich
GREAT MEMORIES, RICH ~ Thanks for sharing. Special good wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving!
~Charlotte
Happy Thanksgiving!!! We’re so blessed
!
You’re welcome, Charlotte!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving 🙂
~Rich
Likewise, Abby ~
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!! May we carry the theme with us throughout our lives!
~Rich
Agreed!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Rich! I hope you made some new amazing memories!