She tends to come running when supper comes out of the oven or when I am fixing omlettes and sneaks little bites before anyone else gets a nibble. She gets such a happy grin when she scores these little treats that I don't have the heart to tell her no. My husband and other kids are just as bad for doing this, so I don't think about it. Thanksgiving made me think. I started cooking at 8am and I didn't notice at first but as the morning progressed I noticed that Lera was watching everything very intently. She exclaimed over the turkey as I was getting it ready for the oven. She stood on a chair and her and Caelia handed me potatoes to peel and then put them in the pot to boil. She talked very animatedly when she saw the BIG PLATE (turkey platter) and was in awe of the shiny dishes and silver.
Caelia came and went but Lera stayed right at my side. She clapped when the whipping creme became whipped cream like it was some special magic. She ate an enormous dinner followed by birthday cake (Happy Birthday, Randy!) and then came to sit by my side. She doesn't really like to hang around with the crowd, even though she knows them all. I asked her if she had enough to eat and she smiled and said YAH, rested her head against my side and patted my leg. She looked so very happy and content - I was left with the feeling that I had granted her some cherished dream.
It makes you think about the many things that we take for granted and may only remember on those special occasions. I like Thanksgiving day as much as anyone but I realized that there is so much that we obsess about (i.e. will the turkey be dry, will the stuffing turnout, how will I fit so many people at the table, etc.) that we forget what a true blessing it is just to have a full tummy, a house full of love and a place to sleep with someone to tuck you in. The little pink doll blanket was Caelia's attempt to make sure Lera was covered.
4 comments:
WOW! What a precious memory. We too have noticed that the little things really are the Big things. We are truly blessed! We are safe, warm, fed, loved and sheltered. You don't notice those things until they are almost taken away. We are thankful for ALL things.
Thank You for sharing what truly matters, each other. Your time together as a family has been a blessing to me. I am encouraged!
Blessings,
Meghan
www.thenewdickinsonfamily.com
We had our first Thanksgiving with Daniel and Maria, too. I can't even tell you how much fun it was sharing family together with them - Kayla's children thought they had the best cousins ever made and my children were pretty much in agreement the other way. They didn't care about food, but Daniel came and put my shoes on to go back to Papa's and Babooshka's - and sobbed when we didn't drive the 3 hours again immediately. It was wonderful and way better than what they were doing this time last year!
How precious ... I loved your insights into Lera and how little it takes to please her. I know our crew were so excited the nite before because we had spent the previous 2 days cooking and baking... doing things together... How blessed you are. Can't wait to hear about your new little one being home and fitting in.
This is a really great post, Sheila....I get butterflies and fuzzies thinking of all of these kids who are home now, where they SHOULD be, especially during the holidays. Prayers and hugs for your family as you now await Masha!---Andrea Roberts, Reece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry
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