“Seconds”
Thanksgiving 2012
This is the first year my husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving, and in our new house, just days after moving in. We made sure to unpack most of the kitchen, as we would obviously need it, and the sunroom, which will also be doubling as the dining room. Then, we walked into Lowe’s right after the movers left and ordered a refrigerator on the spot for next-day delivery. Though most of the other rooms are still in boxes and I can’t locate the majority of our belongings, logistically we’re ready (or as ready as we’ll ever be). Our families had come up with the idea -- to celebrate Thanksgiving at the new place -- even before the formal paperwork had been signed, and their excitement was palpable. And contagious. So you could say its alittle ambitious. Or a tad crazy. At least one thing is certain -- alot can change in a year’s time.
My husband once asked me what I wanted in a house. I’d immediately exclaimed, “Trees!” Our first house was in a fairly newer neighborhood, with young trees and therefore no shade whatsoever. Great for the garden, but not exactly ideal for us to be enjoying (er, melting in) the outdoors on our back patio. “What else?” he’d prompted. “A wrap-around porch or deck,” I responded, “like in The Notebook.” Although I fully understood that we didn’t live in the south, I’d always been attracted to historic homes, ones with character. And porches. Anthony had agreed. “I don’t want a cookie-cutter house,” he’d said. Then he went on to ask if there were any other “requirements” I’d want. “Hmm... a fireplace would be nice.” My parents had a fireplace in our house growing up, but I don’t remember it ever being lit. Most of the time it stored crates of my dad’s old VHS tapes of basketball games. (Once, he’d mistakenly taped over a TV special of Alice in Wonderland, at the most climactic part where the Jabberwocky makes an appearance, and we were oh-so-mad! -- but I digress). My desire for a fireplace probably stemmed from the many happy Christmas Eves spent at my in-laws’, in our PJs, eating a feast of seven fishes, watching the football game, or playing board games by the fire. It’s one of the few days in the year that I actually feel completely relaxed, so why wouldn’t I want that in my next home?
When we summarized our list, it wasn’t very long, but the challenge was to find all those key ingredients in the location that we wanted. When we stumbled upon the house, neither of us were expecting it but we both knew -- in the same way we had with the first one. It didn’t fit in with our original downsizing plan, but it didn’t have to. Even after weeks had passed following that first showing, I couldn’t push the house out of my mind. “Can we do it?” I’d asked my husband. He’d said we could, and so we did.
A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought this possible, that I’d be typing this annual Thanksgiving message in a house literally in the middle of the woods. I wouldn’t have believed that I could watch the sunrise from my window or deck, that I’d be visited by deer on a regular basis right outside my door, or that I could go for a hike in my own backyard. And I would have never dreamed we’d spend our five-year wedding anniversary camped “in” in sleeping bags by our very first fire, content to be sleeping on the floor after making it official (since Hurricane Sandy blew through our scheduled closing date).
This is the first time in a long time that I can’t detail what our Thanksgiving is going to be like. Instead of gathering around my parents’ table, we’ll be gathered around ours. Will our kitchen feel the hustle of feet bustling around its floors? Will our oven be able to hold its own (or turn on, for that matter), as I bake my first-ever Thanksgiving turkey? Will we have enough chairs? Plates? Glasses? Drinks? In the end, whatever the outcome, I’m grateful for our families coming together and sharing in our happiness. Because without them, there wouldn’t be much thanks to be giving.
Dad, your unwavering support is a comfort to me. You are always at my side with every step I take, and I can trust in you to not only listen, but also to really hear me. Thank you for taking the time to be with me during my procedures or to check out a potential house or to meet me halfway to pick up Sarah so it would save me time driving. All of those things display your constant care and facilitation of our family.
Mom, one hug from you and all my fears and reservations melt away. I can not even express how grateful I was that you were there each time (all three times) to nurse me back to health this year. You came through when I needed you most, even when I didn’t even know that myself. I am blessed to have a mother as nurturing and attentive as you.
Rach, somehow our conversations can go from work to sweaters with cats on them to who the Glee cast is dating -- but I love it. We can talk about literally nothing and end up laughing until we cry. It’s little moments like that that I look forward to, and to remember to not always take life so seriously!
Sarah, thank goodness for our weekly (sometimes daily) phone calls! I’m glad that I can be your sounding board as you’ve so often been mine. As you’ve transitioned to the working world, you make me prouder every day. I have faith that you’ve found your calling and will continue to grow and develop in your role.
John, thanks for taking care of not only Rach, but our entire family. Whether it’s fixing computers or cars or just being asked for an opinion, you give it willingly and freely, no questions asked.
Anthony, my love. If I could count the number of times I’ve thanked God for you, I’d run out of numbers. You have given me hope when I’ve lost faith, solace when my tears won’t stop, understanding when no one else seems to be on my side. With you, I know we can face whatever life deals us and that we’re richer than any pot could be.
Dad (Rediger), I (we) are so appreciative of how much you have taught and continually teach us in our every day. Whether it’s related to gardening or cooking or DIY around the house, in your own way, you’ve shown us that life is rather simple and uncomplicated (as long as we have you to help)!
Mom (Rediger), thank you for reminding me about the importance of humility. Often, it’s your unspoken, practical approach to everything that resonates with me; it makes me take a moment to think about the intentions of my actions and how I can strive to do better and to keep giving back. You’ve shown me that time is not to be wasted and to be appreciative of each day given.
Jana, banana... you really made a statement this year at your competition and showed the determination and discipline to place! That same determination shines through in all you do to give to us. It could be sending a silly message or picture or a random call or visit. Your gestures are always appreciated and I couldn’t be luckier to have such a generous, selfless person as a sister.
Nan, I cherish every moment I can spend with you, chatting or laughing, or just sitting quietly beside you, leaning on your fortitude. Thank you for enlightening us through your experiences and lust for life. Please continue to share them with us!
To my loved ones -- thank you for sharing in our joy. As long as we have you to share it with, the other “stuff” will always go second.
