At this time of year we all gather for Thanksgiving dinners and the company of family and friends. I remember the year my Mother accidentally showed me the best representation of Thanksgiving I have ever seen. I can’t for the life of me remember the exact year but somewhere between 86-88 let’s say. Now for the story……

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and Mom and Charlie were down at the local tavern Martins enjoying some holiday cheer. As she looked around the bar Mom saw several people who she knew and also knew they had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving the next day. They were not welcome at their family or friend’s homes due to their attitudes, rudeness and other assorted issues.

Donald and Danny Chattin, who could hardly stand to be in the same room together. Mike and Francis Link who were known to be troublemakers. Joey Racine, who just got divorced, and had nowhere to go. Richard “Tree” Bush who was an alcoholic and not welcomed at his family gatherings. There may have been a few others but I don’t recall.

My mother went to each one and invited him to dinner the next day, told them where to come to and what time etc. Charlie was rolling his eyes, but knew Mom was to kind hearted to not invite people she knew were down and out. Thanksgiving dawned and Mom realized what she had done but figured they guys she invited would not really take her up on her invitation. To be safe we did have a 25 pound turkey and 15 pound ham and all the trimmings.

Around noon “Tree” shows up in a suit carrying his knife set and apron (he was a chef after all), He immediately went to kitchen and helped prep and prepare food. Slowly the rest of the invited guys arrived. Now most did not have suits, but they wore slacks and button downs, even a tie, and those who did not have that wore their best jeans and flannels.

At dinner these men whom their own families did not want, sat down together for a meal. We all held hands and said grace each man with his head bowed and eyes closed. Then
these men who under normal circumstances would have been fighting by now passed around dishes, saying “Please” and Thank You” each time and pardon me if they reached in front. After dinner they all pitched in to clear the table and do the dishes etc.

We may not have had much for leftovers that year, but it was the best example of a true Thanksgiving I have ever seen. And, each year I think of it still.

Nice story.

Beautiful story, Mike. I always enjoy reading it. It gets fogy in here every time.


My Mother was very much the same as yours. She ALWAYS went out of her way to help the 'down trodden', and there was ALWAYS plenty of food.


Dang , now it's really getting fogy.


Thank you for sharing, and God Bless You.

.
Charlie

Great story, thanks for posting.

X2.

Very nice story. The way Thanksgiving should be.

Great Thanks!

Nice story, thank you for posting.

Good stuff.

That’s a great story.

Forty years ago, my wife and I ( married only 3 months ) moved to the Winber, Pa. area ( 150 miles from my home ) for me to take a mining job in the area. We knew no one, but when I stopped at Fluder’s Building Supply, I struck up a conversation with the owner, Chester Fluder. Finding out we were new to the area, he invited us to Easter Dinner with his family. We accepted, and I’ve never forgot what a nice man he was asking strangers to his home on Easter.

There is still some good in this world. Thank you for the story!!!!!

Always nice to hear stories of that nature. We have an old curmudgeon in the neighbourhood, who at 91, still lives independently. He does have family even nearby but they don't seem to pay him much attention. I've got to know him pretty good and pay him a visit from time to time, he appreciates the visits, has a great sense of humour and likes to tell stories, never wants me to leave, lonely I suppose. At Christmas last year I knew he was home alone. I decided to go get him and bring him home for Christmas dinner. When I arrived at his place he waved me in through the window. I made my way into the living room where he was seated. He was drunk and drooling quite a bit, mostly red wine from the bottle he'd been drinking from. Had a nice little visit and returned home.

great read , thanks for sharing

Thanks for posting

awesome!!