A Roll of Thanks

November 24, 2011

Travel day. Today was a travel day. Like thousands of other people, my Mother-in-Law, Mark, Sam, Jake and I headed to JFK airport this morning, Los Angeles bound. Yes, we’re going for Thanksgiving, but more for the very extended family Bar Mitzvah we have on Saturday night.

Thanksgiving is going to be a little different this year. First of all, I’m on the other side of the country. Second, I’m with almost every member of my husband’s family. Obviously, I’m very thankful for that. (You should sense a little sarcasm there.) And, third, Thanksgiving will be spent with 70 other out-of-towners.

I’ll let you know if they have us go around the room, introduce ourselves, and “give thanks” for whatever.

WAIT…You are not going to believe what Mark just handed me.

I’m writing, so naturally, I’m not paying attention to what’s going on around me. Apparently, a “Bar Mitzvah Basket” was just brought to our door. Mark and the boys pillaged the box, and handed me the “Welcome” letter and weekend itinerary.

This is literally the first thing I read:

“Thursday – November 24 – Turkey Day!
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel:
Come prepared to share what you are thankful for and a memorable or unusual Thanksgiving memory….”

Fuckity – fuck. I knew it. I knew this was going to be a weekend of guest participation.

Ugh. The pressure. Thanksgiving has never been one of those “stands out in my mind” kind of holidays. It comes and it goes, usually without any fireworks.

So, I’m scrambling here. Of course I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my health, my family’s health, blah, blah, blah. But, it’s the little things I’m most thankful for, and that’s what I’m going to focus on tomorrow night. The little things. The things that often get over-looked, and under-appreciated.

Mark’s Aunt Dotty, who is 90 years old and always smiling, reminded me of that today. We were sitting in the airport when she whispers to me, “Sharon, I have to tell you something.”

“Ok. What is it?” I whispered back.

Dotty looked at me very intently, leaned in, and said, “The last time I was at your house…I think a couple of years ago. I really loved…”

A long pause. I waited. She took a breath and smiled wide.

“I really loved…your toilet paper. Where did you get it? It was so soft and luxurious, and it did the job so well. I’ve never experienced toilet paper like that,” she chuckled.

Now, I’ve had my share of bizarre compliments. But, I’ve never been lauded for my choice in toilet paper. This was a first. Clearly that roll made quite an impression on Aunt Dotty.

So, tomorrow night, at Thanksgiving dinner, in front of 70 people, some family some strangers, I will give thanks for the little things that so often go unnoticed, like a great roll of toilet paper. That, will surely make this Thanksgiving my most memorable, and unusual at the same time. Mission accomplished.

I’m also really thankful that you’ve come along with me for this ride. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

What is your most memorable or unusual Thanksgiving? Come on, share…

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Wineen November 24, 2011 at 10:07 pm

Well Hineen (this is what I call Sharon),

It was an outstanding Tday for me.

My mother came into city from Long Island. What a f_cking trooper!

We went to Atlantic Grill – but they had a prefix menu…I hate that…they didn’t have my fave salad…so we left and went to Cafe Luka Diner. Diners. Dependable.

Mom left at 3…and she went to see my sister downtown who has food poisoning. She also has humanity poisoning.

Last year at this time, I was at The Cove/Bahamas with the ex. This year salad with my mom at a diner.

Life changes on a dime. But, always thankful.

Except I am not thankful to Atlantic Grill. The salad should always be offered.

2 Sharon November 24, 2011 at 10:47 pm

Wineen- thanksgiving, shmanksgiving… I’m just thankful Luca didn’t disappoint! The food poisoning will go away, not sure about the humanity poisoning though.
Ex, schmex…you’re a goddess among men!
Know what I’m thankful for? YOU. You are my family!
Totally agree with you, that salad should always be offered!
Remember, things could always be a hell of a lot worse. Like the Shoe Box could close. xo

3 Hilary November 26, 2011 at 12:35 am

Slept at my Mom’s house Wednesday night with Jeff and the kids and spent all day Thursday with my Mom. No fights or raised voices. It was a miracle!!

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