My grandmother had a “Nothing Book.” It was a blank book and at every significant event or interesting milestone somebody would write a poem to memorialize the day. Strange that it was called the “Nothing Book” because by the time she showed it to me, it had years and years (decades even) of everything in it! Sometimes the poems were fun, recording family holiday memories. Other times the poems were sad, like the poem she wrote about being told her daughter and grandson had died. But together they created a beautiful collection that reflected her life.
To carry on the tradition, I wrote a little Thanksgiving poem today! I often make the comment that our family makes the worst dinner guests because even though we try to be flexible, our gluten free and vegan diet can be overwhelming for someone who is trying to accommodate us! But really, it’s not the food that is important, but the time spent together.
Twas the day of Thanksgiving and out in the street
was the sound of my friends coming over to eat.
They came in the door and to my great alarm
there stood my friends from the Good Old Days Farm!
I really do love them, but I have to confess…
They’re all gluten free … and vegan, no less!
I looked at my table, at the food I’d prepared.
What would they eat? Now I felt scared.
No stuffing? No whipped cream? Not even some pie?
Without Thanksgiving Turkey I think I would die!
With a hug and a handshake I invited them in,
It was time for our Thanksgiving meal to begin.
So we sat at the table, each in our own places
and I looked around and saw smiles on their faces.
The table was piled with side dishes galore.
My friends ate their fill, and then asked for some more!
When the meal was over I leaned back in my chair.
It was good to see friends, I wish you’d been there!
For Thanksgiving Day isn’t just about eating,
But counting our blessings for our days are just fleeting
And one day we’ll look back on the days of our life
Remembering the good times, forgetting the strife.
For these are the days we’ll look back on and say
“I wish I could be there again just for one day.”
So hug all your loved ones with all of your might,
Tell them “Happy Thanksgiving to All and to all a good night.”
Many blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving! I am so very thankful for you!
