My Most Memorable Thanksgiving (Penny Rader)

My most memorable Thanksgiving was the morning my lovely, vivacious daughter, Emily, came into the world. Because we had a little bit of advance warning, my mom moved Thanksgiving dinner to the following Sunday, so I could be there.

On the way from the hospital to our delayed T-day dinner (yes...back then they didn't kick you out of the hospital within 24-48 hours), a severe migraine hit me fast and hard. Mom already had my other children at her house. Unable to function, I had to leave my newborn daughter with her. I knew Emily and the kids were in excellent hands and that my entire family was there to help, but I still felt like the worst mommy in the world.

My husband drove me home, which at that time was only a few short miles from my parents' house, helped me with my prescription, tucked me into bed...and went after some propane. Yep. The propane tank had emptied and the house was freezing. I buried my head under the covers and let the medication do its thing. Many hours later we went back for the kids. I snuggled up with my new baby and hoped she would forgive me for abandoning her on her first day out of the hospital.

This year Emily's birthday is three days before Thanksgiving, but the day after my family is having our Thanksgiving dinner. Happy birthday, baby girl! I love you more than I can say.



14 comments:

Unknown said...

Now, that is one beautiful Thanksgiving! I love it!

Penny Rader said...

Thanks, Tina. :D

I had to go in tweak my last paragraph. Since my family is celebrating Thanksgiving early ('cause my baby sis and her dh are in town!), I forgot that the real T-day isn't until later in the week.

Catherine Bybee said...

What a great story! I'm greatful every year that Thanksgiving comes and we're all still here to enjoy it.

P.L. Parker said...

Love the memory. I have so many good ones. One year we went to my father's parents' house for Thanksgiving. We were all ready to eat. She'd made oyster dressing - ick - it was terrible. Hee hee.

Mary Ricksen said...

What a wonderful Thanksgiving gift.
There isn't a better thing in the world. And your writing just makes life even better.
Good luck, although I think you have a family full of luck!

Penny Rader said...

Catherine, I agree. It's going to feel a little different this year because we're celebrating early, but any chance I get to see my lil sis is a good day for me. :D Plus, there will be several little ones there, and that's always fun.

Penny Rader said...

Hi P.L.! I've never had oyster dresssing, but I love, love, love my mom's dressing. It's just not Thanksgiving without it. A couple years ago I followed her around with a notebook, writing down everything she put into it. Fortunately, we're blessed to still have Mom with us, so I don't have to worry about where I put those notes. ;D

Penny Rader said...

Thank you, Mary. I am indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful family. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Margaret Tanner said...

What a sweet thanksgiving story. Your husband sounds like a real gem.

Regards

Margaret

Penny Rader said...

LOL, Margaret. He has his moments. As I type, he's in the kitchen whipping together a couple items for today's Thanksgiving dinner.

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely bittersweet story, thanks for that. My most memorable Thanksgiving was also one where I couldn't join the family. I had been in a car accident two days before I'd been set to leave and I couldn't afford a plan ticket. I wound up house-sitting for someone who was going home, and I fixed a mini-Thanksgiving meal for myself there. I was surprised with how peaceful I felt on that day. Maybe it comes down to "I'm still here, I still have a chance" which I think is communicated in your story. It's a grateful feeling.

Penny Rader said...

I'm glad you're still here, too, Anonymous. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

Joan Vincent said...

A lovely memory! One of my children was born on Labor Day and another the day after it. Apropros in a way but Thanksgiving is much more so.

Emily Rader said...

I have such an amazing Mom. Thank you for the story. I am now 38. It’s 2022 and my gosh have times changed. I am sitting by the beach in Hawaii. I got Covid while here and have been under quarantine and unable to leave. Flying back on Thanksgiving day. My birthday would have been on Thanksgiving Day when I turn 40 but there is a leap year involved. All my love 💕