Here’s an excerpt of an email I received yesterday.
“Dear Jacquette,
I would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know this year’s Holiday Season will be very different than any other, but from what I know of you, I have a feeling that your focus will be on all the things you are thankful for, as you reminisce on times past, cherish wonderful and joyful memories, and eagerly anticipate exciting days ahead.”
To say that I was feeling verklempt after reading those words is an under-statement.
Tomorrow is definitely going to be a weirdly beautiful day for me. It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. – bar none, my favorite holiday. Friday (11/28) also happens to be my birthday. So, for me this holiday always doubles as a birthday soiree, too.
Although I’ve hosted Thanksgiving for some 20+ years, this will be my first time frying a turkey for the occasion. It’ll also be my first holiday without my co-host – my beloved mother, Fontilla A. Timmons. (The photo to the right is from Thanksgiving 2013.)
No doubt, this holiday will be different than any other. But I’m so happy to continue a tradition of my mother’s and mine – one we started long ago. I am excited to welcome friends into my home and to make sure their bellies and souls are well-fed.
As I’ve been prepping for tomorrow’s dinner party, the holiday rituals of my mother’s and mine are clearer to me now than ever before. Likewise, my awareness of the power of presence (showing up is critical) and the healing power of connections and intimacy is heightened.
Rituals. Presence. Connections. Intimacy. These elements aren’t just present in my relationship with my mother or the one I have with the guests with whom I’m sharing my home and holiday. They exists in all relationships – including the one you and I have. And, I’m reminded that is been awhile since I’ve told you I appreciate you.
So before I go back into the kitchen, I just want to make sure you know…
It’s truly a privilege to be a part of your world and to have you be a part of mine. Thank you!
May you create some beautiful firsts this holiday. And as for those bitter-sweet firsts, I wish you strength and peace.
Wishing you and yours the Happiest Thanksgiving!
