Thanksgiving is a time for families. That can be good or difficult, depending on the situation. When I was working as a law enforcement chaplain, I often saw families at their worst, especially during the holidays. The Norman Rockwell painting of the family gathered around the Thanksgiving table doesn’t fit for all Americans. We want to think it applies.
I have been watching a series called, “The Secret History of Family,” produced by the BBC. The episodes are based on three young women sisters who grew up in East London in the 1800’s. It is not a nice place. You wouldn’t want to rent a B&B there. They live in poverty and all end up spending time in prison for their imaginative ways of making money that happen to be illegal.
The story is a look back from the perspective of their decedents. Some ended up well-to-do and others much dysfunction and estrangement. It is a journey into story as one views each episode and realizes how knowing one’s story can bring understanding and healing.
My family has a long and short story in America. My grandfather on my mother’s side, came to the U.S. in the late 1800’s. My mother’s other side were Pilgrims who came on the Mayflower in 1620. My father’s family came from before the American Revolution. At least one was a Patriot who fought in the Revolution and his son in the War of 1812. So I guess you could say they had plenty of time to mess up!
What is your story as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving? Mine includes estrangement, addiction, betrayal, chronic illness, along with other challenges. It is also mixed with love, blessings, and hope.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No gifts or expectation of gifts are needed. It is simply time for families to gather and be thankful. If it becomes a gripe session or political wrestling match, that isn’t being thankful. Let’s put all of that aside and breathe a sigh of thanksgiving.
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What are you thankful for and why? Please share with us all by clicking on the pencil icon below to reply. We look forward to hearing what you have to say.
