A Thanksgiving to Remember

This Thanksgiving has to be the topper, the one I can say is the most memorable, and the one that truly captured what Thanksgiving is all about. We gathered together (about 35 in all) some traveling from as far away as California, Arkansas, Georgia, and Louisiana. There were surprises, family photos, games, stories, singing, and of course food.... food that represents the abundance of blessings that we have had over the past year, the abundance of love that we all share, the abundance of faith and thankfulness in the power greater than all, friendship, and memories be what they may. It was especially nice for me because members of my side of the family were there enjoying the same camaraderie that I have been around for over 30 years. And my 2 sons and future daughter-in-law made it to this occasion making my family whole again if only for a couple of days. After eating until we were as full as a tick, we sang songs mostly from memory and definitely from the heart about our love and thankfulness to God. All 4 singing parts were represented plus some extra harmonizing. A few of us enjoyed a campfire with some abstract intellectual thinking and problem-solving conversation that many of the Smith clan seem to have. We shared stories and plans and heartaches. A family this large, this loving, this dedicated to God and to each other is probably a rare thing and something to be cherished and praised and says a lot about the matriarch and patriarch of the family (D&C). It was time to leave and go our separate ways all too soon.