This poem was originally posted in November, 2018. The text was revised and republished one year later. The verses capture my own memories of Thanksgiving during my youth when my extended family gathered at my maternal grandmother’s house. Blessings to all!
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Remembering annual family gatherings from years past
Enjoying special, blessed times which will last and last
Filling Grandma’s packed house with people from near and far
Seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins—as numerous as the stars
Feeling the crisp, autumn air—possibly snow on the ground
Arriving with abundant food and family love to pass around
Pitching in, many helping hands prepare the meal
Eating together on Thanksgiving is a very big deal
Catching up on life from several corners of the state
Thanking the Lord that all arrived safely on this date
Listening to exciting conversation that fills the tiny house
Disappearing from a kitchen corner, a frightened mouse!
Preparing so many favorite and delicious treats
Tasting each will make today an awesome feast
Setting up Grandma’s sizable dining room table with care
Deciding where each family member will sit, here or there
Providing for extra places to eat in the living room
Anticipating that all of us will be eating very soon
Smelling the huge turkey roasting in the oven until finally done
Carving this bird and splitting the wishbone, most delicious fun
Pleasing everyone’s taste buds, with a gathering of yummy dishes
Adding stuffing, mashed potatoes, and yams to everyone’s wishes
Saving room for a sweet symphony of delicious pies
Savoring a slice of pumpkin or many others—Oh my!
Exchanging stories, playing cards, and watching football
Realizing too soon that the time says, “Goodnight to all”
Departing for home, before everyone’s bedtime arrives
Blessing our family time, this thanksgiving feels so alive
Smiling from her large window, Grandma feels so much love
Looking forward to experiencing peace, from the Lord above
Big Sky Buckeye 
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thank you Kev. We enjoyed a blessed with the families of our two Ohio daughters.
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Perfect memory for today! Well written and captures the spirit of the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving! Have a blessed one!
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Thank you Vickie. I remember these gatherings as if they were yesterday. My grandmother’s house was small and cozy, but there was always room for everyone.
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My favorite holiday! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Crystal, thanks for sharing. There is a special peace when we gather at Thanksgiving. Blessings to you this week at school.
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So like my own memories of Thanksgiving Day at my grandparents’ house. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
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Linda, thanks for sharing one of your memories. Blessings to you.
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I love this poem!! Reminds me so much of our large family gatherings back in the day. This warmed my heart. Thanks for sharing Richard. 🍁🍁
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Dawn, I appreciate your thoughts. Somehow we were always able to find another empty place for anyone who arrived. My grandmother’s house was small and cozy.
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Happy Thanksgiving
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Thank you Eileen. May the week ahead share a special blessing with you and your family.
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Blessings to you as well
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Pingback: Special Edition: Thanksgiving Memories — Big Sky Buckeye – QuietMomentsWithGod
Thank you Eileen for sharing this favorite poem. The memories will l never fade.
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Reblogged this on The Mimosa Blossom.
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Michelle, thanks for sharing this poem with your readers. I think about these memories every year at Thanksgiving.
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You are welcome, Buckeye.
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Beautiful Thanksgiving reflection!
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Linda, thanks for reading and sharing these kind words. These memories come back every Thanksgiving when I think of family gathering at my grandmother’s cozy house.
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