To Be Thankful For

 


My husband and I drove "home" to NJ yesterday so that we could attend a beloved annual event; Friendsgiving. It's an amazing, over the top (in the best possible way) event/party/gathering held by a family who live just a few doors away from us.  For us (more specifically me), it's a beloved tradition and a reminder of all that can be good in this world.

These friends/neighbors moved onto "our" block when our son was about 5 and their daughter was the same.  We got to see the kind of people they are when we were invited to their son's 2nd birthday party.  It was held at one of those "kiddie" places (I believe My Little Gym) and because the weather had been bad (this was about a week before Christmas), for a while my son was the only guest in attendance.  So three little kids had full reign of the facility and had a ball.  It didn't matter that it was a small group, they had a wonderful time.  Others showed up and there was no fighting over anything (that I can recall), just kids having a blast at a birthday party, but more importantly EVERYONE (from parents down to the youngest in attendance) was welcome and appreciated.

That's what these particular friends are about; welcoming.  That's probably why their home has always been the place where kids (and adults) gravitate.  They have children; each one unique and each celebrated (and encouraged) for their own talents.  But it is not just their own children that are blessed with love and caring, but the children of their friends, their children's friends...everybody (and anybody) that I can think of.  They care so much for the community, that they (and not just the parents, but the kids as well), that they give back in ways that aren't always recognized, like the rescue squad. (I never want to have to see any of them in that capicity, but if I do, I know I will be so grateful.) As far as I can tell, ALL are welcome.  (I'm sure there are exceptions, but...)

Which is why I look forward to their annual Friendsgiving gathering.   I'm not sure how many years it's been going on, but it is a cannot-miss for us.  While there is always amazing food and drink (where even I am able to ate because despite having more friends and family than I can count over, they are always looking out for me and my food allergies) and tons of fun (this year it was the walk in snow globe on their front lawn, in the past there was a mechanical bull to ride in the backyard), there's something more.  It is a sense of community.  A place of belonging no matter who you are. It is a home where people of different ages and backgrounds can get together. talk, have fun and just simply be.  You can feel the warmth.  (And it's not just coming from the fire pit outside.) 

I know that I will catch up with old friends.  I know that I will meet new friends.  I know there will be long conversations over nothing too serious.  I know there will be laughter.  There may be a few tears (for those who will not be there this year.)  There will be hugs.  And everyone there will feel loved.

And while I will NOT say that I don't love the food, the drink (oh, the speciality drinks) and the fun (I'm not sure if this year's giant snowglobe will ever be topped), it is the knowledge that I will be embraced by friends (really extended family) when I walk in that door.  

This family embodies the theme song from "Cheers" (although they may be too young to remember the show...which makes me feel old, but hey how cool is it that we are their friends as well as friends with their parents?). 

"Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you've got

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Where everybody knows your name

And they're always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see 

Our troubles are all the same 

You wanna be where everybody knows your name"

Thank you for knowing my name.  Thank you for seeing me.  Thank you for inviting me (and my family).  Thank you for making us an extended part of your family.  Thank you for being the caring, loving and compassionate people that makes this world a better and safer place, just by being YOU.

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM

    I'm so glad that you have these wonderful people in your lives.

    ReplyDelete

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