Last Thursday I celebrated Thanksgiving in our 1740 saltbox here in Stratford. Somehow Thanksgiving in a house that approximates the dwellings during which the early Thanksgivings were held makes it feel more authentic. We had all the traditional foods right down to the turnips. For our prayer, my four granddaughters ages 18 through 12, sang the lovely song entitled Give Thanks written by Henry Smith. After the meal I read my Thanksgiving poem which I have shared below. We truly enjoyed the opportunity to give thanks together as a family.
Thanksgiving
There are so many things to be thankful for
Where might I begin?
Little faces to adore
And finally tucking them in
Little boys and little girls
To perpetuate our race
Simple toys and pretty curls
And a smile on every face
Relatives of all shapes and sizes
Available just when you want them to be
Playing games and winning prizes
Sharing a meal and laughing with glee
Warming up by a roaring fire
Winter’s rosy red cheeks
Finding a book that you desire
And reading it for weeks
Inner peace to share with yourself
And time to be with others
Pretending to be a jolly old elf
And finally having your druthers
Having the freedom to follow your own pursuits
The beauty of falling snow
Exulting with hollers and hoots
Watching your family grow
A few moments in daily prayer
Being kind to a friend
Steak as you like it, not too rare
Having no need to pretend
Watching with your nose to the window pressed
The excitement of receiving something new
Enjoying a peaceful world at rest
And these are just a few
Jeff Jensen
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