I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is less than a month away – where does the time go? I remember when I was a child, the days didn’t pass fast enough, but now they whiz by.
Thanksgiving was always a special holiday for me – the family sat down to a huge dinner of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, assorted relishes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie! Dad helped mom with the cooking, and we all (my two sisters and I) set the table and brought out the food. Dad sat at the head of the table, with the dinner plates stacked in front of him, surrounded by the various dishes of food.
Before he carved the turkey or served the food, we all bowed our heads and said our prayers of thanks. As Dad filled the plates and passed them around the table, we all enjoyed the family festivity and of course, consuming the delicious food.
Half way through the meal, Dad suggested we take turns saying what we were thankful for. That was a special time and allowed each of us to express our gratitude for something that was important to us.
This will be my second Thanksgiving at Country Meadows, and I have a full year to reflect on. There are many things I am thankful for since I’ve moved here. Allow me to mention a few of them – perhaps you’ll agree with some of them.
I’m thankful to live in a residence that is comfortable and beautiful with staff members in all departments who are helpful and caring.
I’m thankful to have tasty and well-prepared meals twice a day, and allowed to bring salad from the salad bar to my room for the next day’s lunch.
I’m thankful that the residents here are friendly and fun to be with, allowing me to meet and make many new friends.
I’m thankful for the many top notch activities, interesting programs with excellent speakers and entertainment with extremely talented people – and all “FREE”- no tickets required.
I’m thankful for the comfortable, free transportation. If we wish to see a play or movie, or go to a restaurant or special event away from Country Meadows, one of the vans will take us and bring us back home. For residents who need supplies or to stock up their refrigerator with food, vans provide transportation to local food stores and general stores.
I’m thankful for the various social activities, Happy Hour, wine before and with dinner.
I’m thankful to have a lovely apartment complete with a kitchen (even though I don’t prepare meals, but I can store food to eat for later) and a washer and dryer.
I’m very thankful that I don’t have to cook, clean, change my bed linens or do any of the homemaking chores I did before I came here.
My life has become easier and enjoyable.
Simply put, I am extremely thankful to have found a new home at Country Meadows, and count my blessings to be here.
