Recollections

Recollections

                                         by Collette

Memories from Thanksgiving center on my five senses. Smell is the primary remembrance for me. Waking up to the roasting turkey fragrantly filling the house with its scent followed by the pungent smell of spices in the pumpkin pie or the cinnamon apple rings my mother used to make. If she had had time there was the heavy, yeasty smell of rising rolls on the cabinets as well. It was the best way to be awakened that I can remember.

Of course, taste was my favorite sense. Mother had the rule that food had to look pretty and taste good, and I learned to judge food with her rule. Off hand, I can think of no food I had at Thanksgiving I disliked-maybe a vegetable or two. When my mother’s side came for the meal, they brought food, too. The buffet was huge, tasty, colorful, and I always overate. Dessert was all of us kids’ favorite part.

The best sound was the electric knife my dad used to slice the turkey. It was my cue to go watch him in the hopes of getting a bite of crispy skin or a piece of meat that was too small to be missed. My dad, sister and I really began our meal with a bite here and there until we were banished from the room so we wouldn’t spoil our dinner. (Not much chance of that ever happening.) Usually we went to the dining room and found something to snack on until the rest of the family arrived.

Greeting family and helping them into the house was a great sight. The cousins made plans early about what we would do after the dinner. There was not room for walking in the kitchen now as my aunts and uncles entered with arms full of goodies. I understand how my mother got nervous when so many people crowded in wanting to help. I have a problem with that today.

My sense of touch grew stronger as the day continued. Of course I appreciated all of the food and getting family together, but I also remember the small things that touched me. My grandpa who refused to wear a hearing aid, sat on the couch and missed a good part of the conversations. My dad and uncles discussed the world’s situation and politics with such passion that it made me conscious of history and later would move me to become a teacher. I was touched by the caring of my aunts for my grandparents, each other and their own children. The memories of loud voices, funny stories and laughter still touch me today.

I remember with my senses, and time has faded any negatives (if there ever were any) about Thanksgiving. I have tried to create the same atmosphere for my family. I am thankful for my sensory memory because it allows me to recount the many blessings we shared, and the people made it made it so special.