Remembering That First Thanksgiving

One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving, even though I grew up in South Africa, a country that did not have a special day marked for Thanksgiving. My first Thanksgiving in the United States of America was set to begin with my "staple" food, Ramen Noodles, cooked in a nearly empty college dormitory. But then, miraculously, my college friend invited me to his home for Thanksgiving.

The smell of turkey roasting in the oven pervaded the air as I stepped inside a warm American home, greeted with hugs and kisses from his parents who were meeting me for the very first time. Imagine my surprise when I was immediately given a recipe and recruited to make green bean casserole! My favorite memory of all will always be the moment we sat around the table, talking and laughing like family and naming all the things we were grateful for. That day, the Nells showed me the authentic spirit of Thanksgiving – when people come in as strangers but leave as family.

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and how much we have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is also a time to connect with family – those we are close to and those we intentionally (or unintentionally) avoid all year round.

The history of Thanksgiving itself dates to 1621, when the Pilgrims held their first feast in Plymouth and warmly welcomed Native Americans to their table in recognition of friendships and alliances. The table must have been laden with foods representative of both cultures, surrounded by family and old and new friends, all filled with gratitude that they had survived a harsh winter.

We have all faced "harsh winters." For some of us, there will be a missing seat at the table this year. For many seniors, memories of Thanksgivings gone by will bring sadness and feelings of loss. However, I am reminded that gratitude is a gift worth investing in, despite loss. It is a time worthy of being shared with family and friends.

We are grateful for our selfless and dedicated team members that continue to choose to invest in Century Park Associates through meaningful work. Century Park is stronger because of your unwavering commitment and love. We are grateful for our residents who show their support and tenacity by choosing to live in a Century Park community. You have offered grace when we make mistakes, and you show us that your love is steadfast.

We are grateful for every family member that allows us the honor of caring for their loved ones. The weight of that honor is overwhelming and humbling. We thank you.

So, this Thanksgiving and every day, count your blessings, spend time with your family, and allow your heart to make room for a stranger at your table. And rather than reminisce on what we have lost, be thankful that together we have survived the harsh winters of life. Remember what Eckhart Tolle said, "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance."