Thanksgiving Memory




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" November 20, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ Thanksgiving is a time to recount our blessings, visit with family members, and establish family traditions. Diane's story encompasses all of these things. ------------------------------------------------------------ A Thanksgiving Memory By Diane Dean White ------------------------------------------------------------ My Dad's parents lived in a small town several hours north from the city where I grew up in Michigan. Over the years it was always a special time when we could make that trip to see Grandma and Grandpa and celebrate Thanksgiving at their home. When Dad got home as early as possible from work the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, Mother made sure we were ready to go so the drive would allow as much light before the winter darkness sat in. My younger brother and I eagerly watched as we left the city lights and snowflakes falling, all bundled up in the back seat of Dad's old Studebaker. The trip north was around three hours in good weather. Our half way point was the small town called Frankenmuth. We continued our drive, having a sandwich and apple, which Mom packed for the trip. At one point we no longer had a highway to use, as two lane country roads took over and the snowflakes started to come down a lot harder. As so often happens during the winter months, snowstorms come with or without warning, and I suppose even with a warning Dad would never let the snow stop him. We all learned to drive in snow; it was part of life in the winter wonderland state. When we were about an hour from our Grandparent's home, the country roads never seemed so long. The snow was falling all around us and the windshield wipers cleared a small area of vision as Dad seemed to plow his way through the heavily fallen flakes at a slow speed. Mother would give us half cups of hot chocolate to keep us warm. There was no radio, but we would sing songs together to help pass the time. When we finally arrived at the large older home, activity inside and warmth radiated as the front porch light went on and our Grandparents welcomed us. A fire was blazing in the old fireplace and smells that were part of the Thanksgiving feast preparation flowed throughout the house. It was late, as the trip had taken a long time. Within moments I took my night bag upstairs to my favorite bedroom. A bedside table held a lamp that was lit and the four-poster bed with the old mattress and feather pillows awaited me. The room was chilly as the registers were located in the central areas of the home, which was kept heated by coal. The bedroom windows had lace curtains and pull down shades, which helped keep the cold air from the frosty windows. An old dressing table held various photographs of my Dad and Uncle in their service uniforms from W.W.II I heard chatter from the hallways as others were going to their rooms and quickly jumped into bed and pulled the covers over me, looking forward to the day ahead. On Thanksgiving morning I got up in time to see Grandma baste the large turkey that had been baking in the oven since early morning. I watched as she poured batter from a bowl into molds that she would place in a steamer with shallow water, and steam them in the side oven for several hours. It was her wonderful Thanksgiving pudding. She had baked pies that were kept cool in the pantry outside the screened in porch, as the small refrigerator was full of other good things. The large dinning room table was set and additional seating was made up from card tables and chairs. My Dad's older sisters and families were coming in from town and I couldn't wait to see my cousins! When we sat down to dinner, the table was laden with so much food. Grandma's favorite dishes, which had belonged to her Mother, were used for the family gathering. After the prayer was said, everyone talked in all directions enjoying the food and fellowship. Sometimes pies and cake was served, but we always waited until late afternoon for Grandma's special Thanksgiving pudding and "secret" sauce. Women helped clear the tables and someone set up a board game to play. Since we had so much snow, we kids decided to go out and build a snowman first. An overcast day was typical of Thanksgiving time in Michigan, often with clouds that promised more snow to come. We trudged through the high snow to pack it, rolling smaller balls into larger ones, to build our snowman. The boys often built forts, but the girls enjoyed making "Frosty" and we told our storybook character that he'd better stay and not melt until we could come out again and play with him! Family members were gathered in the living room, kitchen, and dining room, talking and laughing with one another. After we placed out snowsuits and mittens away to dry, we all gathered around the piano to sing as Grandma played a variety of songs. One that we always sang was "Put On Your Old Gray Bonnet." There was no television to watch, and when the time was right bowls of hot steaming pudding with a "secret" sauce was given to everyone to enjoy. It was a simple time, a fun trip, years ago, with Grandparents and family members who made it all worthwhile. When I became a young wife I invited Grandma to come and spend Thanksgiving with us. We would be going to my parent's home for dinner, but I asked her if she would show me how to make her special Thanksgiving pudding and "secret" sauce. Grandma brought her molds and steamer and we mixed up the ingredients and placed them in the oven, allowing the pudding to steam to perfection. We used a double boiler for the sauce. It contained sugar, butter, and other ingredients, and when we got to my Parent's home, she asked my Dad for some rum to use. That had been her "secret" ingredient! I was amazed, as my Grandmother who never allowed liquor in her home, made an exception for this favorite pudding! Many years later it tastes almost as good as it did when Grandma made it. When I look at the handwriting on her recipe card, a wisp of sorrow that she isn't here today to see new family members and enjoy the festivities runs through my mind. As each New Year arrives, I am thankful for those precious memories, which God in His wisdom has given me, and I know our table will seat older loved ones and young children alike. I look forward to the future to build new memories, and just like the Thanksgiving Pudding; I realize this is part of a family tradition that we cherish and are passing on to the next generation. © Diane Dean White, 2003 Thelamb212 @ aol.com You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Diane is a former newspaper reporter and freelance writer. Her new book BEACH WALKS is a variety of short stories and can be reviewed at: <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1403366888/heart/ref =nosim> She also has an outreach for women called SEEDS of ENCOURAGEMENT at: <http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members/?thelamb212> Diane and her husband, Stephen are the parents of three grown children and two grand-gals. They make their home on the Carolina coast. -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- God is so good! I am always in awe of how He brings the impossible together and makes it fact. Mary-Ellen's story is a good example of how if we place our problems and wants in His hands, He can take care of them in ways we can't begin to imagine. Carol What a sweet story about Mary Ellen's older, new home! I think we can relate to the wonderful feelings when we discover what the Lord has planned for us, can turn into a great adventure. His timing is always perfect! Thanks for sharing your memory! Diane White --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take that moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Howard Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner Chris and Logan were having a father son day yesterday. When a staff meeting was suddenly called at work, Chris took Logan with him instead of ending their special day early. Logan sat in a swivel chair and listened quietly as the commander discussed Preceptor's. A Preceptor teaches medical how-to's by example. When the discussion was over, the commander asked if there was anyone that did not want to participate and be a preceptor. To everyone's amusement, Logan was the only one to raise his hand. God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.