Thanksgiving blessings

a very special Thanksgiving celebration

Amy’s soon to be inlaws

Likely because I'm an only child, I've always loved large families, the bigger, the better. Many of my childhood friends had at least three siblings, and my friend Laura who I met in my early twenties, had seven brothers and sisters, oh my beating heart.

I likely only had a few dinners with Laura’s family, but I can visualize sitting at their dinner table like it was yesterday… the chaos, the laughter, the noise level, and of course, the drama. 

How can 8 siblings possibly get along? The answer, in short, is they frequently don't. But that doesn't mean they aren't connected and love each other desperately through thick and thin— maybe the true definition of family. I'd sit in their midst like a little pig in sh— well, you get the idea, soaking in every minute like an elixir. 

I mentioned last week that I had the blessing of joining my daughter Amy and her now fiancé, Michael, on the occasion of his marriage proposal. Let me set the stage.

About a month ago, Michael called asking if we could travel to Baltimore/Virginia, on Thanksgiving to surprise Amy. He planned to propose at his parents' home in Virginia on the family dock overlooking the Potomac River. (He also invited Amy’s dad Ron and his wife Estela, but unfortunately Ron came down with Covid and was unable to attend.)

An hour later, I texted back-- I had the airline reservations made within fifteen minutes of hanging up. We wouldn't miss it for the world.

Waiting for the trip and managing not to give away the surprise (not my strong suit) was difficult. I avoided talking to Amy and began to let her do most of the talking. 

Michael's parents Roxana and Joe offered to let us stay with them, and we gladly accepted their gracious invitation. 

A little background about Michael's family, he has three sisters— Diana, Laura, and Maria married to Anthony, Baron, and Dave. Diana and Anthony have three children, Giovanni (6), Juliet (4), and Pietra (1 1/2). Laura and Baron also have three children, Henry (11), Jonah (8), and Adelaide (2 3/4). And Maria and Dave have two children, Owen (4) and Everett (1 3/4). 

Michael planned to propose the day before Thanksgiving, knowing that Thursday would be busy. 

He had chosen to propose on the deck at approximately 4:00 p.m. Amy would expect his sisters to arrive at 5 for a special siblings dinner the day before Thanksgiving. 

Amy and Michael arrived at Roxana and Joe's at approximately 3:00 after working the morning. Just before their arrival, Rick and I made a beeline to the neighbor's house, where we could view the dock. Their next-door neighbors, Tim and Barb, were terrific hosts, offering a glass of wine and great conversation as we impatiently waited on their enclosed deck.

I was so excited I could hardly stand it. Finally, we saw Michael and Amy head down to the dock, watching from Tim and Barb's window as Michael and Amy leisurely enjoyed taking photos of the river and the sky (nature, of course, was sending her blessings, a beautiful sunset.) 

the newly engaged couple

After about ten minutes, Michael dropped to one knee. Thanks to Michael's considerate nature, we were able to be a part of their special moment without them having to sacrifice their privacy.

We all hopefully have a few sacred memories that will make their way to our private Hall of Fame. This memory has earned a place of distinction, to be sure. 

As Amy and Michael slowly made their way back up to the house, Rick and I tiptoed through the front yards back to Roxana and Joe's place. As Amy entered and saw us sitting at the kitchen counter, she let out a scream that could seriously be used in films. We hugged, laughed, cried, and began an evening I will never forget. 

Michael’s smile is so sweet.

Thanksgiving was yet another gift, learning about this new family we would be connected with going forward… a considerable family for this only child. I took it all in and loved every minute of it. 

toasting the engagement

The next day, most everyone had a part in preparing the dinner. There was no dull moment between children being children, especially out of their routines of napping, and adults working to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was, without a doubt, the most beautiful turkey I've ever seen, and it tasted as good as it looked. 

Michael’s sister Maria helping me make a pie crust

As we cooked, the older kids ran around the outside perimeter of the house for hours, with a bit of downtime in the afternoon watching movies. The little ones were busy underfoot, fingers caught in drawers, playing nonstop in the ice cabinet, along with three dogs. 

Love the angle of this photo

Many hours later, when we sat down to dinner, every child was crying—I kid you not. And likely, some of their parents weren't far from that emotion. Like most holidays, it was a day of much stimulation and little to no naps for little guys. But as we all began to consume the most delicious Thanksgiving meal I can remember, the room fell silent. With each bite, the tension dissipated. Thanksgiving dinner was, without a doubt, a success!

And after dinner, everyone bundled up for the after-Thanksgiving dinner walk down the block— seriously, like a scene from a Hallmark movie. It was cold, and I believe it might have been Jonah who fell down and hurt himself before we even got out of the driveway, but his tears were temporary. 

I walked near the back of the crowd enjoying the view. The older kids, of course, had a blast running back and forth, and the babies Pietra and Everett had strollers. Little Adelaide looking so adorable in her A-line three-quarter length coat, made her own way, with no need for handholding, sporting a slight limp as she had only had her cast removed a short time prior. Three generations out walking on Thanksgiving night, upholding traditions and creating memories with much to be grateful for, what a blessing to be included.

I will ever be thankful to Michael for being thoughtful enough to include us, and to his parents Roxana and Joe for their amazing hospitality.