The Gifts We Have In Each Other

Howdy, Neighbor. People have been telling Phil he’s a good storyteller for a long time… so we are trying something new and pretty-much non-sales Just sharing occasional sweet stories, tall tales, and life lessons learned around these parts.

Northwoods Notes are a new, semi-bi-irregular peek into the heart and mind of Phil Frasier… you can read or listen… whichever you prefer… and you are receiving a copy because you’re a current customer of Frasier’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We think you’ll like them, but you can unsubscribe any time by clicking on the link at the bottom. But we hope you give us a chance!

Listen:

Read:

There were nine of us. Six sisters and three brothers. Plus our parents, that’s eleven sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Well, almost.

Our dining room table could only seat our parents and six kids. So the other three would sit up at the counter.

I loved sitting at the counter. Because when my mom served peas, I could shoot ’em into the sink.

Every other Thanksgiving, we’d pile into our three-row Chevy Caprice station wagon and drive to a grandparent’s houses to feast with our aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I remember sweating from playing so hard. I’d pester my Uncle Larry until he grabbed me by the ankles and swung me around his head. He’d do it over and over again.

After I got over my dizziness, it was time to eat.

Everybody brought their own special dish. My mom would make a corn recipe with bacon on the top. I can smell it now. It was so good.

I also love stuffing and cranberry sauce.

But it wasn’t the food that made it so special. Just sitting around the table, listening to everyone talk… that’s what I remember the most.

Thanksgiving has a different feeling than Christmas. There’s not as much pressure or hype. We can just sit together and enjoy each others company. It’s a different mindset.

Ya know, I think that’s why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Sure, every family has dysfunctions. Ours was no different. But all those dysfunctions seem to melt away on that day. Brothers get along with sisters… even six of ‘em.

Neighbor, I hope you’re able to be with your loved ones this Thanksgiving… even if it’s in a group video chat on your laptop.

And I hope, in some way, you’re able to relax and be thankful for the gifts we have in each other.

Take care neighbor… take good care.

Oh, and P.S. – Green Jell-O Salad is my favorite Thanksgiving Day dish. My daughter Megan and I fight over that one. What’s your favorite?