Thanksgiving: A day when memories are made

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Nov. 28, 2002
Today, when we all sit down to stuff ourselves with turkey and dressing, let's remember to take a moment to say thanks.
Thanksgiving began more than 300 years ago when the Indians and Pilgrims came together to share a meal.
Today, families will once again come together to share lunch or dinner. And today, I will prepare my very first Thanksgiving meal.
In years past, my husband, David, and I had always gone to either his aunt's or my family's homes. This year, we will have them at our house.
We are all sharing in the cooking duties: my husband and I will cook the turkey; my mom will make her mouth-watering dressing; my stepmother will make the sweet potato casserole (of course it will have marshmallows on top); and my sister will bring the cranberry sauce and stuffed eggs.
As my family, including my aunt and uncle from Nashville, sit down at the table to give thanks I will be thinking of the fun times I've had at Thanksgivings past.
My birthday is Nov. 26 and it either falls on Thanksgiving or a few days before.
When preparing to write this column I asked my mama about my birth and she said, "That's been so many years ago I really can't remember."
I replied with surprise, "Mama, what do you mean. I'm only 29." But she did tell me that my first Thanksgiving in this world was spent in Jeff Anderson hospital as a 2-day-old infant.
But I have to admit, I know what she means. My daughter is about to turn 2 and I can't believe where the time has gone.
This brings me to my most memorable Thanksgiving ever Thanksgiving 2001.
After trying for two years to have a baby, my husband and I were blessed with a baby girl on Jan. 11, 2001.
Olivia Nan was almost 11 months old at Thanksgiving last year. We were at the home of David's aunt. We had all stuffed ourselves silly at lunch and several family members were gathered around the piano singing. Olivia was on the floor with my husband playing.
She had been pulling herself up and standing for a few minutes at our coffee table and then taking a few steps holding on to the table at home. But she hadn't been walking on her own yet.
My husband, David, was showing everyone how she could stand on her own and then fall on her booty like toddlers do.
But this time she didn't fall backwards, she suddenly took one big step forward, wobbled a little, and then took two small steps forward all on her own.
I got so excited I screamed out loud, "She walked, she walked!"
I think I scared Olivia because she burst into tears. I guess she thought mommy had yelled at her for doing something wrong.
But everything she did was just right and that Thanksgiving will be the one I will remember for a lifetime.
Whether it's memories of your children or family gatherings, remember today is a day to give thanks.
On Thanksgiving 2002, I will again give thanks for Olivia. I will give thanks for my wonderful husband and for my loving family and friends.
Most of all I will give thanks that I have a life free of sorrow and pain. I will give thanks for a great community. And I will give thanks for living in a country were we are free to enjoy ourselves on this Thanksgiving.