Three Generations

Me, Mom and Grandmother Burnside: 11-22-11

I was thinking today, if my oldest niece Chloe was with us, we would be 'Four Generations of Females', like we were a few years ago. I still have the newspaper clipping of the four of us that was printed in The Meridian Star. Chloe was, too, young at the time to understand the importance of having us pose for that article, but one day she will see the significance of that photograph and what we all represent in her life - as a family.

My Grandmother and my Mom are both strong independent women, whom I have learnt a great deal from. People in Meridian still call my Grandmother a 'Hell Cat' and in her daughter the apple does not fall far from the tree. They both have a fire within them that still drives them and the tenacity that sustains them. 

They will be two of my guest for Thanksgiving and the recipes I use have been past down to me by my Mom - from her Mother. I love to cook and have my home ready for my guest - finally! I cannot wait to host my first Thanksgiving for my family, my friends and my gentleman friend. I am not worried about the menu, because it is traditional Thanksgiving fare. I cannot wait to spend the day with everyone and enjoy what the day brings. I have so much planned! I am so excited! 

Today, I met up with my Grandmother and my Mom, even in the storm that caused damage in Meridian, from what they call a "microburst." I have never heard of a microburst till the 6 o'clock news came on this evening. We were in and out of rain, wind and humid temperatures all day! We had lunch at McAllister's and shopping at the mall and a few other places. We made a promise to each other we would not venture out on Thanksgiving Day for all the early Black Friday sales. I think we had our fill of shopping and WOW! - the money we saved! 

I had to shop for my two Angels from the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Have any of you ever selected an Angel from the tree? I have for several years. It is the best feeling to give children what most of us take for granted, like a winter coat, a scarf, gloves and a few games, toys, books, art supplies - you name it. I always get them more than what they list on the 'Paper Angel' and surprise them with a basket of goodies and a stocking with 'stocking stuffers'. 

I have no children of my own, but I remember the Christmas after my father left us, we did not have anything but the clothes on our back. That was the year the Christmas Holiday magic was lost and the doctors called the family in, because my Mom was not expected to live past morning. I was only eight years old, at the time.

I have seen life from both sides now and I will never forget those dark days. Every child should be given something, if not anything else but hope, because once you have lost all hope the reality is all there is to face. I do not know anymore than what is printed on these Paper Angels, but I can imagine these children's lives and the challenges they most likely are facing.

It is almost midnight and I feel so strange being up this late on a Tuesday evening. I am enjoying my holiday and being able to spend more time with my family, my friends and my gentleman friend. Time, please slow down? You are rushing by, too, fast!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble!

Me and my Grandmother Burnside.

ELB

2011