Think about what you are really thankful for. Even if you say you are thankful for your boat, you wouldn’t be half as thankful for it if you did not have the memories of taking someone out on it. Since we come into this life with nothing and leave with nothing, the only things we really accumulate are memories, stories, what we give back, what we get, the love we had, and how we used our time.
My sister’s wedding was four days ago. My Great Grandma’s funeral was one day ago. Both events created a lot of opportunity for reflection, especially since my Great Grandma was part of my inspiration for writing at all and I would have nothing to write about if I did not have — and have always had — all of these amazing people in my life: those that I have known forever, for a time, for a long time, and recently. Regardless, all of these people really are the best. My life would be nothing without them.
So, there was one wedding, one funeral, and one Thanksgiving in one week, and about to be one Christmas tree when I get back home. It’s a lot to think about — lots of love, family, friends, death, and celebratory and blessed thoughts. Now that it is Thanksgiving and in the spirit of being thankful, I am thinking about this: does “stuff” really matter at all if you have no one to share it with?
I like having stuff for sure and I am thankful for all that I have been blessed with (more than others and less than others), but I only have it to share with other people. I want my good cast iron pan to cook with someone I love. I want my car to go see someone I have had a long-time friendship with. I want my air mattress and good sleeping bag so someone I love can come stay and visit. I like having a tent so I can experience new places and adventures with the people I love. I like having the right drinking glasses so the people I host get the best experience. I like stuff when it serves a purpose. However, none of the stuff would matter if it were not for the people to use or experience it with.
Since they don’t put your Mercedes, fine china, or house in your coffin (none of which I have except for the china dishes), the only things that you take and leave are the memories of using things together — and then telling the stories. I could not be more thankful to be a part of, contribute to, and create stories with a better family and set of close friends. We never lack in stories, which means we never lack in life, love, adventure, and humor — together. On this Thanksgiving, I feel very full.
Pro tips:
Show up. It is the only way you will keep up with your family. Nothing can replace spontaneous conversation, energy, and interaction.
Don’t underestimate the power of a card game. It is possible euchre could create World Peace or at least getting everyone to the table. It certainly has built connections, memories, and gotten five generations sitting at a table playing a game together. Surely, we could take this game and get some other people around the table.
Make this bruschetta recipe: https://bitzngiggles.com/tomato-basil-bruschetta/
Never underestimate the power of a conversation, regardless of age differences. You may have no idea how much you can impact someone else’s life through being a real, vulnerable human with real words about real life.
Just call Bob.
Always remember, your words have consequences — make them good.
Live to be 99 years old and then be talked about as a “legend.”
Inclusivity is not necessarily all of the “buzz words.” Anyone, at anytime, can be the one to include someone in a group that makes the difference for that person, themselves, and everyone else for a lifetime.
Take every opportunity to learn something, like cleaning a pheasant. You never know when you are going to need that. Start with the spine in the back and cut the breasts off close to the bone on the right and left sides. The most red spots will help you find the birdshot.
And, finally, when in doubt or frustrated, love. Just love. Love when it is harder to than ever. You can’t take it with you, but it will live on without you.
