Giving thanks
Growing up, our heritage was more aligned with Filipino and Spanish traditions. Thus, the observation Thanksgiving was not on our plate. In time, I adopted this most American of holidays when I met my husband-to-be Glenn 40 years ago, who introduced this festivity which stars our favorite turkey and stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin soup, sweet potatoes and yams, plus pecan and apple pies. History relates that the hard and harsh winters prevented English pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts from building their desired settlements. Many died during the tough months. But their neighbors, the indigenous Wampanoag tribe soon taught them how to plant crops and even trained them in survival methods. When the harvest season arrived, the produce was plenty and there was much to be thankful for. The commemoration then evolved into a nationwide three-day Thanksgiving in 1621. William Bradford, English Puritan and then-Governor of Plymouth Colony likewise declared a thanksgiving to celebrate the blessings upon their fertile lands. However, it only became a national holiday in 1941 upon the declaration of the United States Congress, shortly before World War II.
Back in our uptown home in the city, we continue with this time-honored custom, more than ever mindful of the importance of gratitude in the midst of a pandemic in an unpredictable and prone-to-risk world. Our only child Eduard led the Thanksgiving prayer for life and laughter, health and happiness, for the lessons learned — and most importantly, for giving all of us the much-needed hope through even the toughest of times. After dinner, a ceremony patterned after native American culture, was observed. A fire, magically lit by a flaming arrow, was the vessel for the family’s enumerated lists of blessings. This blaze symbolized passion, motivation and the Divine Fire that burns in every soul. Throughout the memorable evening, we were reminded of how beautiful and blessed life is, even when faced with challenging and overwhelming situations. We are grateful for what we have.