Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for a few reasons. It’s a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for as individuals, as families, and as a nation. It’s a time to spend with family. It’s a time to remember how this nation was built. And who doesn’t like a few days off and a nice turkey dinner with all the trimmings?
In our family, we also enjoy remembering our ancestors. From what I understand, I am descended from two of the original Mayflower Pilgrims. John Howland, who is one of the more well known of the group. He was an indentured servant to John Carver and his family. He’s mentioned in William Bradford’s history of Plymouth and has a whole wikipedia page.
But even crazier to me… I discovered just this year that he’s in the Peanuts Mayflower cartoon. On the trip over, Howland fell overboard in the middle of a storm. He managed to grab a rope and sailors hauled him back up on the ship. Howland married Elizabeth Tilley another passenger on the Mayflower and both of them survived the first few years of severe sickness. Thank goodness, or I wouldn’t be here today!
My mother’s family stayed in the area for generations more. Eventually some moved to Rhode Island. In fact, when I visited Mom’s home town, I got to see my great-great-grandfather’s house. It has a plaque outside with the family name. Coming from a background of moving around a decent amount before we settled in Texas, and never living anywhere close to extended family, it was wild to me that Mom’s memories are of growing up in a small town with lots of family and hundreds of years of history.
So, those are the stories I grew up with. As for the traditional “thanks” – I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband, crazy kids, great family and friends, awesome job, and the fact that I get to do what I do every day.
From my family to yours, have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
***Picture is from Flikr.com via midgefrazel who does not in any way endorse this website.
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