Now that November has arrived - and here in Ohio, it really felt like November this week! - we're getting in the mood for Thanksgiving. Along with enjoying visions of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, we love this time of year because it reminds us all to count our blessings.
If your celebration this year involves giving back, consider our little book Recipes for Saying Thanks. Not only will you bless yourself with a dear little cookbook full of inspiration (and recipes to share!) but a portion of every purchase is donated to Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger-relief charity.
Here's a story from Janie, here at Gooseberry Patch...it's included in the book and it's one of our favorites.
"Like most people, Thanksgiving has always meant big family gatherings and dinner with all the trimmings. I grew up in rural Ohio and, every year, our extended family came from all over to get together at our house. Everyone brought a dish to share and it was always a thrill to see cousins, aunts and uncles.
One year, Thanksgiving was a little different. That year, I was 14 and there were six of us kids still living at home. We were all quarantined (along with our parents!) for scarlet fever!
While none of us was seriously ill, in those days, quarantines for viruses like this were common in our area. Our seclusion lasted over the holiday and we all moped around the days leading up to the feast, knowing that our family would be getting together without us.
After what must have been our hundredth hand of canasta, one of my brothers announced that there was a car out front. Starved for excitement, we all ran to see who it was!
Imagine our surprise when we saw car after car pull up and drop off parcels at the gate. With our noses pressed up against the frosty windows, we could see our aunts, uncles and cousins waving before driving away...they were delivering Thanksgiving right to our door!
We still enjoy these big family gatherings to this day and each is special in its own way...I am and have always been so thankful for my family. However, I’ll always remember that Thanksgiving as the one that not even scarlet fever could stop!"
Thanks for sharing this memory Janie!
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