Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is American Thanksgiving. Last year my daughter went with her new husband to have Thanksgiving with his parents. When she was little she was always up for a play date (though we didn't call them that) or a sleepover, so I never realized how important family events were to her until she agreed to go with Mark last year. She called during dinner, to talk with the family, and was sad that she wasn't in New York with the rest of us.

However, there were some things she liked about Mark's Thanksgiving :-). They eat dessert first. When part of the family likes to bake (and eat) dairy desserts, and the rest of the family is Sabbath observant Orthodox, you have to find a compromise so you can eat your Aunt's incredible pecan pie! Dessert first!

There was one thing that she didn't like. At some point during the day they took out a video camera, went around the table and asked each person what they were thankful for. My incredibly adorable, perfectly polite daughter responded that she was thankful "my family doesn't do this."

However, I am thankful for many things this year. I am thankful that my daughter has been married for a year and is happy with her husband, and for my new son-in-law. I am thankful that my mother and my in-laws remain in good health for another year. I am thankful that my son and daughter-in-law are managing to keep things together, despite difficulties. I am thankful that my husband will be shaving tomorrow for the first time in 37 years (well not necessarily the shaving, the reason). I am thankful that my youngest son hasn't smoked since the new year so that my husband has to shave tomorrow for the first time in 37 years. Last, but not least, I am thankful for my wonderful new grandson, born in August. I can't wait to see him tomorrow.