23 november 2006
Linda's Two Thanksgivings
By Linda Breitag
Listen to an audio version of this commentary
As we look ahead to Thanksgiving, here’s Linda Breitag’s reminisces of last year’s double feasts:
I ate two Thanksgiving dinners this year, even though I don’t really need the extra food. The first, on Thursday, was a dinner with friends, whose daughter is one of our daughter’s best pals. The other adults there were mostly Buddhists, holistic healers and funky artists. Luckily, we joined the guest list late enough so I didn’t have to make any food.
Instead, I brought a box of Lake Superior stones and driftwood and I made a winding centerpiece the entire length of the double long table. Then I put one or two beautiful leaves on each plate, just so. It was a true Martha Stewart moment and it fed my artistic needs which are slightly higher than my need to cook, as you may have guessed.
The cranberry sauce had curry in it, and we all bellowed Cat Stevens songs after dinner with seven year olds in dress up clothes, twirling and leaping in our midst.
Then, on Saturday, we joined my parents in their new duplex an hour away. My mother, aged 77, made the entire dinner herself and I took a bath while the table got set. When I emerged, peaceful and steamy, just in time to fill the water glasses, she gave me a big smile.
I reflected on my great good luck in landing this mother, who asks only that I show up to be loved. And I don’t even have to show up on time....
Linda Breitag is a writer, musician and mom who regularly contributes to MOMbo. |
