The Tripod is Up....Let Thanksgiving Begin!

Thanksgiving morning always started early and with a bit of frenzy, at our house. I was allowed to sleep in but my mother actually set an alarm so she could get up and start the preparations. My father, usually a late-sleeper, was anxious to join my mom and get the day started. Thanksgiving was his favorite day of the year.

My mother would have completed some of the preparations earlier that week. The silver would be shined and wrapped in plastic so it wouldn't tarnish before the big day. The embroidered linen tablecloth would have been pressed but not yet on the table.  A simple centerpiece, with fresh flowers, fall leaves, and possibly a twig or two would be sitting in a bowl waiting for its debut. For my mother, centerpieces were no big deal. I typically take photos of the centerpieces I create. Not because they are amazing but because I'm never sure I'll ever be able to recreate them. My mother never recreated a centerpiece.

While my mother busied herself in the kitchen, my father gathered the movie camera, film, cables, and found the perfect location for the tripod.   He'd always request that we take a trial walk down the hall and into the dining room, a rehearsal of sorts, so he could be sure the tripod was at the perfect angle.

My mom and I would oblige, giggling as he pretended to take up the role of tyrannical movie director. Never mind that he would typically still be in his pajamas, we knew how much he loved Thanksgiving, his camera, and the two of us!  Then, once the turkey had been basted for the final time and the tripod was in place, it was time to change into our "finery", as my mother would say, and start the festivities.

Being a military family meant we spent most of our holidays away from extended family. People have often said, "Your parents went to all of that work, just for the three of you?"  But each holiday, each celebration was still a big deal because "we" were a big deal. My parents knew that family was more about love than numbers. For that....I'll always be thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!!