Drifting

Every notice how solid things seem in memories?
Rock solid foundations of our childhood (1st, 2nd and current for some of us) often aren’t a deep as we remember. For years, it was Thanksgiving at our house; usually a handful of G.I.s that couldn’t go home for the holidays joining us. Then later it was Thanksgiving at Aunt Mary’s house; with a huge crowd of family around. And so it goes, change. For years now, Thanksgiving has been at Nana’s house; with a huge crowd of family around.

For years it was running around with the cousins, getting into trouble, playing video games and eating too much. Then for years it was watching the kids running around, trying to get them to stop playing video games and eating too much. Lately, it was watching the kids chasing the grandchildren around, trying to keep them out of trouble, from playing too many video games and still eating too much.

This year things were a lot different at Thanksgiving. We went out to eat. Yes, we were one of those families. 16 of us at Cracker Barrel for lunch. And I’m sure this Thanksgiving will provide lots of memories.

Of people getting there at 10:00 a.m. to get on the waiting list…
Of being told until all the members of the party are together, no one gets on the waiting list….
Of waiting…..
Of a very crowded store area; full of people waiting to be seated…..
Of getting everyone together and being told of a 45 minute wait for a table….
Of waiting a while longer…
Of getting our table — oh, wait tables !  Not all of us are sitting together; 12 at one table 4 at another….
Of mediocre service..

And most importantly

Of how little any of those really mattered.

Nana was out of the hospital and moving around.
Family gathered together and talked.
A meal was blessed and a family blessed by the meal and companionship.
People were missed; family was scattered about the state and country but they were on our minds and in our hearts as we gathered.

We weren’t alone; Cracker Barrel — much maligned retail establishment open on the holidays — provided lunch and dinner to a huge crowd. Even more they provided a huge service; a holiday meal for those who couldn’t or didn’t want to cook. A place to gather with a few or many, to realize they aren’t alone in the world or their situation.

I saw people waiting patiently and politely (how much different from the crowds on Black Friday in some cases).

Will this be the new normal or will we gather again at a home; I don’t know. I do know the location isn’t as important as the company. And the company isn’t as important as the attitude; it is about Thanksgiving after all.

Sometimes it is tougher then others to be thankful….but it is well; as tough as it is to say some days.