"Our Tradition”
Thanksgiving 2011
For our family, Thanksgiving has
always been the “it” holiday, even bigger than Christmas or New Years. I wonder how this came about and all I’ve
come up with is that we used to always travel for the holidays, spreading our
time between relatives in Chicago and New York
After my sisters and I had left
for college, my mom would always make sure to pull us back for Thanksgiving,
eager to cement our plans before fall semester had concluded. “When are you coming home?” “What should Dad
and I make?” “Have you heard from your sisters?” She would be excited to see us, our hustling,
bustling family under one roof again.
Over the years, the questions are still the same and the warmth in her
voice carries me all the way back to New
Jersey
This year, my mother has
organized a party like no other. I can
imagine the scene now: My sisters and I in the warm kitchen (since my dad will
already have something in the oven or on the stovetop) clamoring around while
we wait for mom, always fashionably late, to wake from her nap. The husbands will be undoubtedly hovering,
picking at this and that while we shoo them away to watch TV. At some point, my aunt will flurry in with
her daughters and grandbaby in tow, enough of a commotion for my mom to make an
appearance. Then more cousins, complete
with a chattering pair of kids, and my husband’s family, my in-laws with their
arms full of food and cookies. There
will be commotion and laughs and hugs and the lingering scent of dinner, and
before we know it one of my cousins will ask, “When are we eating?” and somehow
we’ll squeeze the lot of us around two long tables, the piano bench serving as
a couple of chairs.
For me, this is the kind of scene
I look forward to each year. Sometimes
minor details will change, like what we’re cooking or the number of people
showing up, but overall I can count on our togetherness. I can count on the noise. I can count on the stories shared and the
elation felt and the promise to do it again, and soon. Every Thanksgiving, I can count on all of you.
Dad, this was a big birthday year for you and all the more reason
to celebrate. In the thirty years I’ve
had with you, you’ve shaped me in so many ways; I’ve noticed this in the most
elementary practices in my life. Thank
you for your kind heart, quiet strength, and the appreciative manner in which you
lead our family. You have the ability to
teach me something without my even knowing it; sometimes the advice you’ve
given resonates much later, but you’ve provided me with the tools and clarity
to find my way.
Mom, my fearless momma, always the strong one. I will never forget how frightening it was
for us when you were first diagnosed,
then decided on surgery. You handled
each step from your operation through recovery with optimism and faith. These days, you’re still one of the first
people I call when I’m faced with a difficult situation, knowing that you’ll be
there on the other end of the line with honesty and conviction. You are my biggest advocate.
Rach, my little sister, a married woman! It was amazing to stand with you at the altar
on your wedding day, witnessing you exchange vows with your new husband. What a blessing it is that you have found
your better half, the person who completes you.
It’s humbling to see you grow into the next stage of your life: the role
of devoted wife (and adventurous cook)!
Sarah, a college grad. It
was surreal attending your graduation ceremony, watching you walk across the
stage to receive your diploma. I am so
very proud of you. I’m glad you come to
me to talk things out about the incredible responsibility you feel and struggles
you face as a student teacher. You do
noble, giving work, and there is no one better suited for it than you.
John, welcome to the family!
I’m thankful that you’re around. I’ve
realized now that you will forever be finding something to fix or improve,
taking care of business as you do with everything. You look out for the family with a willing,
generous spirit, keeping those you care about top of mind.
Anthony, my best friend, my comfort. I am lucky not only to have an unwavering
supporter, but someone who challenges me every day. In your arms, I am safe; in your eyes, I am
cherished. You constantly show me that
we can make it through anything, large or small, as long as we rely on one
another, as long as we’re together.
Dad (Rediger), thank you for your considerate regard for both
Anthony and me. Without question, you consistently
have our best interest at heart, whether it is packing up food for us after a
visit or bringing the truck around so that we can go “shopping.” Every plant or flower you have personally
added to our garden is done carefully and thoughtfully. Thank you for enriching our lives.
Mom (Rediger), our one-of-a-kind supermom! If you discovered one of us in need, you
would drop everything or do anything in your power to absolve us of our
troubles. It is exemplary of the gracious,
inherently good, admirable person you are.
Thank you for everything you
do, donating time and energy and a listening ear.
Jana, my partner in crime. Thank
you for always being there for me. I
know that you will laugh with me but cry with me too; we’re a natural pair, so
whatever I feel, you feel. Thank you for
working at our relationship and keeping us connected. I truly enjoy our little messages throughout
the day!
Nan, here’s to a wise, remarkable woman. I love hearing you tell your stories with
expressive candor and ease, transporting us back into another time and
place. Your vitality is channeled
through your ever-growing family, which is reflected right back at you.
To my family – this year, I thank
you for tradition, our tradition, I
can count on.
“Traditions are not for keeping.
They’re for keeping us together.”
–Hallmark commercial
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