I like to spend the day before Thanksgiving getting things ready. Mr. onceasgt understands and leaves me to it.
Friends and family are coming. New friends and old.
Mom's china- washed and ready.
The silverware in the case that my brother carved a peace sign in. (boy did that raise the roof)
Grandma Ree's Salt and Pepper shakers.
Nanny's candy dish.
The bowls we bought with some good friends and their son.
Daddy's favorite pie.
My Aunt's homemade little chick- to guard the pies.
Uncle Bill's favorite cider.
A good friends recipe for cranberry sauce.
My Mom-in-law's gravy boat.
The "Sweet Clover" ladle that made everyone laugh and the gravy taste better.
The table cloth from my parents last Thanksgiving together.
The picture of a beloved dog tucked onto a shelf on the sideboard. (He loved turkey)
The candlesticks from Uncle Jack.
Tomorrow, when the turkey's in the oven and the table is set.
When it's the quiet time before the the guests arrive.
And each token in it's place.
I'll look up, and through my tears, I'll see them. Those I've loved and lost.
Everyone.
Home for Thanksgiving.