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REFLECTIONS ON THANKSGIVING DAY
Every Thanksgiving, my family comes together at my oldest
sister's and her husband's house. I have four sisters and our
parents have already gone on to be with the Lord. My
brother-in-law, Joe, arises early in the morning and begins to
cook the turkey, chicken, boston butts, and sausage over his
pecan and oak fueled cooker. I live nearby him, and can smell
the aroma of the cooking meat. This Thanksgiving, I went down
there early and ate a piece of that sausage..boy was it good!
All the extended family, some friends and neighbors begin to
arrive around 11:30. It was a beautiful, sunny South Georgia
day...a perfect day for enjoying the food and company of loved
ones. I pulled an old fashioned bottled Coke from the ice
covered tin tub, opened it up, and enjoyed the taste of ice Coke
from the bottle. Earlier, I had placed Cokes, Orange and Grape
Crushes, Root Beer, and Wild Cherry Sodas in this metal tub,
throwed on the ice, and waited for them to get cold. All the
little ones (and old ones I might add) seemed to enjoy this
special treat.
As it came time to eat, I looked at the well laden table and
reflected on God's goodness to me and my family. Joe asked for
quietness (hard to accomplish when all the little ones are
running around), and said a few special words. One of the things
that he said was, "Just for today, enjoy this day. Forget your
troubles, and just be thankful for your blessings." He asked me
to say the prayer, and I asked the Father in heaven to bless the
food and our time together.
The food was wonderful, and afterwards, we gathered under
Shirley and Joe's large outdoor patio, and sang a few songs. My
daughter, Eva, and her husband, Jack, led the singing. We sang
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken", "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and
others. It was such a special time.
Some of the ones there was there for the first time. My special
friend, Nancy, had two of her children there from Texas. John
and Beth are both students at the University of Texas, and had
come to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with there Mom. Debbie
and Sonny, my son-in-law's parents, also spent the day with us.
There were several other new faces, and they were received with
open arms. Shirley and Joe are both gracious and giving, and we
sure appreciated them opening their home to all of us.
Some of our family members were missing. My oldest daughter,
Joy, her husband, David, and their son, Josh, live in England so
were not with us. Joy did call and talk to many of us. She
always enjoyed these Thanksgiving get togethers. My son, Joel,
spent Thanksgiving with his girlfriend and her family. It was
the first one he has missed since we started the Thanksgiving
tradition. My niece, April, was not there. She recently was
married and lives in California. My nephew, Tyron, was not there
and two of my brother-in-laws did not make it.
As I looked around and saw the faces of my loved ones and
friends, I reflected on the ones who used to be there but had
gone on to be in that Family Circle in heaven...Mama, Daddy,
Eric, our neighbors, Pat and Mrs. Kelly. I know that they would
have enjoyed this Thanksgiving.
After the singing, I cranked up my blue Ford 3000 tractor, and
took everyone on a hayride. I had to make three trips, even with
the 18 foot trailer, to make sure everyone got a ride. I admit I
enjoyed being the tractor driver, and as I looked back at all
them loved ones I was hauling, I was thankful. Some of the
grandkids, grandnephews, and nephews shot basketball...Yes, I
shot with them...One of my grandnephews, Caleb, said to his
third cousin, D.J., "We let an old grandpa beat us!" My
grandson, Dusty, Joy's 11 year old son, came to spend the
afternoon and night with us, and I was glad he did. He lives
with his Dad and stepmom in nearby Waycross.
As it began to get dark, Joe built a bonfire, and two of my
nephews put on a fireworks display. The little ones were
roasting marshmallows, and Shirley's friend's son began picking
his guitar and singing. It really was a special time. Austin, my
three year old grandnephew, roasted me two marshmallows, and
insisted I eat them all. I did.
This was a great day, a day of memories, a day of blessings from
heaven, and I believe a way of passing down our love for each
other to the little ones...they will remember this day.
To my sisters, Shirley, Evelyn,Linda, and Joanne...thanks for
your love and support. To my daughter Eva...you were so glowing
when you were singing, and I know the child (my third
grandchild) you are carrying will be a blessing and joy. To my
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thank you for placing me in this
family.
Irvin L. Rozier
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