Thanksgiving for the present

The tree of life can be big or small. It can be young or old. It can be frail or strong. The tree of life is a reflection of the human spirit to survive and be stronger than any obstacle that stands in his or her way. This is Thanksgiving time in the United States and it is a time when families come together to discuss issues, reflection on the past, talk about the future and bind everyone closer together in a bond of love that is carried over to the next year. This year's Thanksgiving was spent at home with my mom. She cooked a turkey breast, dressing, sweet potatoes and a Mrs. Smith's pumpkin pie on the eve of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving day was spent at the Methodist Church in the heart of New Smyrna with a room full of strangers that became friends with a life time of stories about their past and what they are doing in the present. There was a guy that looked like a motorcycle dude with a turkey hat and he strutted around like a proud peacock. The food was very good, but different than the night before. Regular mashed potatoes was served and also a Waldorf salad was served. The servers were kind and all willing to treat you like you were at a four star hotel. There was a small boy playing the piano. He only knew one melody, but he played it well. After eating, I needed to step outside and feel the openness of the cool air. I also looked at the sunlight reflection on the greenery of the leaves. The air was very cool and the wind blew hard when mom and I looked at the fishermen fishing under the South bridge. There was a Pelican there trying to collect his version of Thanksgiving in the form of a small fish. His luck wasn't good, because the fisherman placed his small fish into his ice box right away and had no mercy on the starving bird. This was a different Thanksgiving than the ones I spent with my Aunt in the past. She now is in a nursing home living the remainder of her life with others that have no grasp on the present. She is also a stroke victim who is in a constant state of decline. We part ways with my memories of her being a strong willed and particular way of keeping things a certain way in her house. My Aunt was the oldest and only daughter in her family. She was my dad's sister and someone that my dad took us to Thansgiving dinner every year. She always made a fabulous dinner and made her own crust for a pie or two. She would have music from the 1940's playing on her cd player and my dad and my uncle would get out some place like going for the lottery before dinner would start. My Aunt liked you there on time and you dare not cross her way. I got into trouble after my Uncle past away. I took her dog for a walk and was yelled at for walking her dog in the road. I was never allowed to walk the dog again. There are many more stories that I share about my Aunt, but I do still hold her dear to my heart. I look to future Thanksgivings to make new memories and spend more time here making new friends.