In gratitude for my Nana.
It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, and it’s raining outside. It doesn’t matter though, because I am having such a lovely day preparing for our Thanksgiving dinner gathering tomorrow.
I started out by ironing a beautiful tablecloth for our table, and as I did, I got into a little spontaneous conversation with my Nana. I said, “Thank you so much, Nana, for teaching me so many things about how to make a home. For instance, thanks for demonstrating by your example, that it’s a good idea to set your table the day before, if possible. And thanks for teaching me about the joys and the beauty of taking time to clean the silverware, and put a lovely bouquet of flowers on the table too. And by the way, thanks for saving a sum from every paycheque beginning when I was a baby, to buy me a piece of sterling silverware for each birthday and Christmas. I know I didn’t appreciate it then, but I do now. And every time I polish the silverware, I think of you, smile, and say thank you Nana!”
When we arrived at Nana’s house every Sunday for dinner, she was never flustered. That’s because she had set the dining room table the day before, and made dessert- usually a pie- the day before too. We almost always had a roast beef dinner, so she could make that on autopilot. When our family arrived, she was able to join us all as we gathered around the TV and watched whatever sport was on, a drink in hand, enjoying casual conversation.
I am happy to say, this same method works for me! And we take it a one step further here at my house, by roasting the chicken, and cooking the turnips and potatoes the day ahead too. So when the family all roll in tomorrow afternoon, Lord willing, I won’t be flustered either, and will be able to enjoy my time with them.
Thanks so much, Nana, for teaching me about the really important things of life, by your example. You weren’t one for offering advice, but I think I picked up most of what I needed to learn by watching you quietly in action. What a blessing to my life you were, and you continue to be, as I think about your life.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!