Thanksgiving Reunion

Did you have your fill of leftover turkey in the aftermath of the Thanksgiving holiday?
There were no casserole leftover dishes, turkey pot pies or turkey soup meals for us.

Why? Because we celebrated the holiday with family members by dining at a restaurant. Last year, we were in NJ for what turned out to be my mother's last holiday celebration as she passed away a few weeks later in late December. This year, we traveled to PA to celebrate with my brother and his family.

As poignant as that holiday season later turned out, this year Thanksgiving started the season off better because my brother and I shared it together. For reasons too personal to detail here, we (sadly) had not celebrated any holiday together in many years. This year was different as we not only dined together, but were truly thankful to be together once again. 

There was sadness that we could not share this long-overdue reunion with our late mother. And, there was some smiles too when my brother remarked at dinner: "I can just hear mom saying why didn't you invite me too?" We both knew she would not have wanted to miss a holiday celebration with her family. 

She would have enjoyed that comment too. It's moments like this shared with family that bring a smile as we remember family and friends. They are with us in spirit and always in our hearts and memories.

That said, we had a wonderful reunion. Admittedly, it was a long trip for us, but this celebration was one we would't have missed sharing with these family members.

But we do miss not having any turkey leftovers, so we're cooking one here at home next week. Yes, that bearded fellow is Grenville who's getting ready for the long and snowy winter days to come here in NH. 

(He left his sleigh and reindeer outside the restaurant at Thanksgiving.)