A few short days from now we will be headed to my sister and brother in law’s home to celebrate a day of thanks with family. I cannot wait to hear the sounds of cousins playing together, their footsteps up and down the stairs and endless laughter. My sister-in-law and I will work side by side in the kitchen preparing to bless our families with all their favorites of  the season. Doubtless we will enjoy the background sounds of football while our sense of smell is assaulted by each course of our meal roasting, simmering and baking. I can already hear the kids asking regularly when it will be time to eat. My mind’s eye envisions the comforting sight of the men, all napping, bellies heavy from our traditional meal as the women clean up and package the coveted leftovers. Later, as the kids play outside, we will sit over coffee and chat while the men continue to nap. Eventually they will stir and bike rides will be in order. As the kids and men arrive back from their adventure on wheels, dessert will be set out and more coffee brewed. A game of cribbage may be played. Adults will spend time debating and laughing while the children shower and snuggle into their jammies. A holiday movie will play and the women will clean up a final time, gathering the belongings of others and pack leftovers to be sent home with each family. We will say our goodbyes as we embrace and hug all who leave and finally, it will be our turn to depart. The drive home will be quiet and drowsy as we wrap ourselves in the warmth of fresh Thanksgiving memories and tuck them into the hallowed cubbies of our minds until next year, when remember previous Thanksgivings, all over again.

Happy Thanksgiving.