I was watching The Voice tonight when an ad came on for Sprint, "This Thursday is Black Friday!" I seem to have a vague memory that this Thursday was supposed to be something special, a day where we were going to do something, but for the life of me I can't remember what. If I close my eyes and concentrate there are images that fade in and out, they are gold and orange and there are smells, wonderful smells but I can't quite put my finger on it.
I have a faint recollection of people I know, gathering around some kind of platform, no wait, it's a table and there is laughter and something else, something I feel in my heart.... But instantly it is replaced with anxiety, with the new knowledge that this Thursday IS Black Friday and I need to get a list, and figure out where I can get some free stuff and amazing deals that I can use on the next big holiday, whatever that is.
Whenever I am confused or unclear I go to my refrigerator to eat, it makes me feel better. I am glad I did that this evening because it has all come back to me. There is a very large poultry in there, two heads of celery, 3 lbs of butter, 2 containers of sour cream, not to mention large tinfoil roasting pan sitting on top of the fridge with everything I need for our Thanksgiving feast.
This is why I love the kitchen, it helps me remember what's important and what I am thankful for. I am thankful to have this room where friends and family gather to do the one thing that we have all done since the race began, to eat, to share a meal and in sharing our meal we share our day, our memories and our lives. All the best sales in town can never replace what happens here, when we get together on this Thursday and give thanks, not to the retail gods, but for each other.
Happy Thanksgiving!
