Page 10 - November 2020 Voices

COVER STORY

Her grandchildren who spanned in ages from different? You bet it is. We use paper plates as
20 to 30 years of age decided to take over the Mom’s China sits in the cupboard. Is the food

preparation of Thanksgiving dinner from the the same as my Mom’s? Of course not. But it’s
“adults.” The kids didn’t say why they wanted still delicious with new recipes and a new style
to cook, but I suspect they observed myself and of doing what was old. My Dad is still eating the
my sibling’s grief as they decided to take over turkey he dislikes because he always has.

the leadership mantle. My sister offered up her What I gained in return is quite the lesson.
brand-new kitchen and large dining room for What I learned from them was when you give
the event as she did not like to cook. I was taken love, it returns tenfold because people see it
aback by the insistence from the grandkids to and they subconsciously need it. Our human

cook since I didn’t have high regard their abilities conditions require it.
to prepare such a large meal, or any meal for Looking outward, it’s hard to see a
that matter. But I remembered a lesson from connectedness of minds or spirits in our socio/
my Aunt. She always accepted my wild ideas as economic/political culture today. My parents

a youth although I secretly knew she questioned shared love, but they also shared their dislike,
them. She always supported me, for which I or like of turkey, while keeping the family unit
remain grateful. And I took that lesson from my together. They never took their eyes off the ball
Aunt and applied it to our new upcoming family or the bird of what was important in life.

Thanksgiving tradition. It is indeed possible to make the world a
As my family has now spent five better place and it starts and ends within our
Thanksgivings without the matriarch who made own hearts.
them great, I reflect upon our own Reboot. The Tootie Smith has been a member of Wallmasters

third generation has taken on the responsibility Toastmasters since 2017. She has spent decades in
and joy of preparing our Thanksgivings filled Oregon politics, and is the newly elected Chair of
with food, family, and football. Is the experience Clackamas County Commission.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you

a day of

peace and plentitude

10 ONE COMMUNITY