THANKSGIVING DAY OR OTHERWISE
Long before Tom Petty sang the now famous words, “The waiting is the hardest part,” I, well, me and my siblings, sometimes some cousins, were living, and groaning, through the reality of those words on Thanksgiving Day.
The work for the massive feast started early and the air was filled with the aroma of what was to come… eventually. The better part of a day is a long time for a little kid.
I remember my mom splitting the beaters from the electric mixer, that had all been but shaken clean off, with my sister and me. Pie filling and real whipped cream just whet our appetite and made the longing even worse.
The smell of the turkey, gravy, beans, stuffing, and bacon that went into my mom’s famous baked beans, had everyone’s mouth watering. The pumpkin, apple, cherry, pies and my dad’s fruit salad, that was more whipped cream than fruit, tortured us through the longest day of the year.
After surviving the molasses of a day, one of the secret baked beans ingredients, we’d finally hear those two beautiful words, “Let’s eat!” They didn’t have to be said loud, we were within earshot. We’d be hovering close by like a pack of wolfs waiting till it was safe to move in for the kill.
It didn’t take long to figure out that the “Let’s eat!”, didn’t mean we were actually going to eat. It meant that we were one step closer to the magic moment that our bellies were grumbling for.
There was one more step. And that step could be a time consuming one. Because the next words were automatic, “Let’s say blessings”, my dad would say. It didn’t matter where we were, our house or someone else’s, my dad was the official family thanks giver.
“Heavenly Father,” is how he always started his prayer, Thanksgiving or otherwise. When it came to praying, my blue collar dad was always genuinely grateful for God’s provision and protection… and his prayers reflected that fact. He wasn’t an economical prayer.
No sir, when it came to praying our dad was an opulent prayer. Not fancy words, but real ones, straight from his heart. And he wasn’t in a hurry.
That’s where he was different than us as kids. We endured the prayers, like barbarians, ready to tear into the feast like Tasmanian devils. I wasn’t the only heathen that opened one eye to make sure the food hadn’t gotten away. I’d spot one or both of my brothers, on occasion, my sister too sneaking the, if not illegal, immoral peek.
I haven’t heard my dad pray in going on ten years now. And all I can think of from those early days of life and Thanksgiving are the words my dad prayed. I realize now that those words were infinitely sweeter than any dessert, including his fruit salad, I’ve had since then and will have on this side of heaven’s curtain.
I guess I’ll never measure up and be the prayer my dad was, but I’m proud of that fact. But if you ever hear me pray, which I do on many occasions, because I’m usually the appointed thanks giver, you’ll hear remnants of my dad.
“Heavenly, Father…” is how I start every prayer… Thanksgiving Day or otherwise.
Ryan S.
Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 1:54 pm
Great walk down memory lane. I remember the wait as well… Visiting my grandparents house with all my cousins. Waiting for the words, Let’s eat and gathering for prayer offered by my grandpa… Been over 30 years now, but I remember his praying.
Ed
Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 3:47 pm
Yeah, waiting for all that food! And it was delicious! Nothing like it, because Mom and Grandma made all of it (with a little help from friends). I will always treasure those days! Can’t eat those kinds of meals anymore, but I do thank our Heavenly Father for what I can eat, each and every day! Happy Thanksgiving Floyd!
Martha J Orlando
Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 6:46 pm
Heartfelt memories, Floyd, shared with us who are about to embark on new Thanksgiving memories, and make new ones for the future. I almost always begin grace with those two most valuable and transcendent words: Heavenly Father. God has so provided for all our needs, and allowed our wants to be fulfilled in ways we could never even imagine. May our hearts overflow with praise and thanksgiving for the One who is the source of all thanksgiving.
May you and yours have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Betty J Draper
Sunday, November 24, 2019 @ 9:11 pm
Happy Thanksgiving Floyd, to you and your family and the great memories of your Dad’s prayer. So many do not have a memory like that, it’s one to cherish and miss.
Pam
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 @ 2:58 am
Your description of the agonizing wait on Thanksgiving put me right back in my mom’s kitchen. She and my aunt did it all and we just salivated, waiting for my dad and uncle to get back from hunting. My aunt and I always competed to get the turkey livers!
Cheryl
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 @ 10:20 am
Aw, Floyd! This moved me to tears. I absolutely love reading your stories, especially of your Dad, and it is so evident that you have so much of him living on in you. I am sure your prayers are very anointed and inspiring. Speaking of your stories, I hope you will feel led to send us at least one Christmas story for our blog this season! I loved the ones you alluded to in your comments. If you have time and feel led to do so, could you email us the whole story(ies)? We would love to read and share them and direct readers to your amazing blog! God bless you, brother. Happy Thanksgiving!
Lisa notes
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 @ 6:36 pm
It’s getting close to ten years since I’ve heard my father pray as well. Thankfully I was able to hear him pray many, many times prior to the end. I wish I could remember his final verbal prayer. Praying you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving, Floyd!
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, November 27, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
Some lessons are worth remembering and passing on. This is one of them. Thanks my friend for words from your heart.
Jim Hamel
Thursday, November 28, 2019 @ 6:13 pm
Floyd. Thanks to your Father in Heaven who prepared you and sent you to your earth Father and Mother who polished you to become his and their special representative to all who know you. God bless you and yours on this Thanksgiving Day. I Diane and family are thankful for your friendship
Janet Wagner
Thursday, November 28, 2019 @ 6:33 pm
I remember many occasions with your Dad’s prayers! He was an amazing man.