Fond Memories: Thanksgiving Tidbits

I decided to be on my own this Thanksgiving for several different reasons. 

One main issue was mobility issues that I've had to experience since I broke my leg several years ago. It makes it rather challenging to get to places, especially with stairs, so I decided to forgo that this year. 

Another reason is that it's for nostalgic purposes. You see, I have some really wonderful Thanksgiving memories from when I was growing up with my parents and family around. My parents are now gone to their heavenly reward, and sometimes I just prefer to be alone and contemplate. 

My father was dirt poor during the Great Depression. He had great difficulty working in hard-grain elevators from about 13 years old. Sometimes he and his sister would have to stand in breadlines in the cold, and the line would end just before they reached the door because of a lack of supplies. 

Norman Rockwell, Saturday Evening Post Magazine, The Four Freedoms, 1943

That grew a theory in my mind over the last 10 years or so about a particular Norman Rockwell painting, "Freedom from Want." Norman Rockwell produced a painting every week for the Saturday Evening Post, and, I believe, it was Franklin Delano Roosevelt who requested that he make paintings about the freedoms we enjoy in our country: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.

“Freedom from Want” came out about the time my Dad would have been a 14-year-old working in the grain elevators, nearly suffocating from the heat and the dust in the air. My theory is he saw that picture, perhaps as a torn piece from the magazine or even on the magazine rack around town. Possibly, as a teenager, he unconsciously or consciously wanted to strive for that experience in his life with his family, so that his family would not have to endure the hunger he did. 

It is only a theory, of course, because I do not know the truth, but my father always wanted the turkey in the middle, all the sides around, and the family gathered around the table. He even got into a minor argument once when my maternal grandmother cut up the meat to just sit on the table. He demanded “the bird” be put in the center. 

This is very clearly seen in the Norman Rockwell painting.

My father did go a little overboard with this Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, goose, duck, and Cornish hens, as well as bone-in and boneless ham. He always made sure there was plenty of food and encouraged the people he met for a month beforehand to come to Thanksgiving at his house. One time in our cramped little quarters, we had 23 people, some even sitting cross-legged on the floor with plates in their hands, but we all ate well. Thanks to my mother’s determined energy to fulfill my Dad’s wish. 🙂

After my father passed away in 1991, I kept up the tradition for my mother, myself, and any relatives who wanted to come around. I would still cook a big turkey, and put it in the middle of the table with many sides around, minus the goose, duck, Cornish hens, and hams. I wasn’t that desperate to recreate my childhood memories. 😂

One of the great things about Thanksgiving dinner is not only Thanksgiving Day but also the aftermath: cold turkey sandwiches. Delicious heaven on earth with mayo. 

My little Thanksgiving dinner, 2025. Yummy!

So although my meal has dwindled to just myself mostly, and on this delightful remembrance of our country’s first Thanksgiving dinner in 1622, I still decided to enjoy the most best delicious dishes during this time. I included this year a turkey, of course, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, dinner rolls, and, of course, one of our family's favorites, cottage cheese and crushed pineapple mixed. My desserts include pumpkin pie, apple pie, cream pie, and sweet potatoes. All served on a traditional plate and forks I had as a kid, eating with my parents and family. 

Now you may be wondering why one person needs all this food? Frankly, if you have been paying attention to my narrative, you'll see one of the reasons I wanted to ensure I had all the good stuff I have always liked: LEFTOVERS!!

That's right! 

Eating a delicious meal, all prepared together on Thanksgiving Day, is terrific, but I also love having lots of leftovers where I can have bits and pieces of my remembered meal throughout the coming days. Saves on grocery bills and is nice to eat at home. 

So wherever, whatever you're doing this Thanksgiving Day, I hope you are enjoying it to the best of your gastronomic ability and your personal wishes. Whether you are with friends and family or by yourself, or with your significant other, may God bless you on this wonderful day.

*************

Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower, 2006

The best film/documentary I have ever seen about the Pilgrims, their journey, and the first Thanksgiving dinner with the Indians (Native-Americans) is Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower. I really love this film because it goes beyond the basics we covered in short classes or tidbits of information. It is pulling authentic material from the William Bradford journal, records of the time, and both its political and spiritual aspects, as well as the Indian viewpoint. I highly recommend this documentary!