New Friends And A Thanksgiving Story

After all the people had left Marleewood and all the things were put together for the babies and children in the Daycare, it was time to relax. The Grandmas and Marlee and of course, her close friends were sitting in the living room catching their breath after such a crazy wonderful day.

There was a knock at the door. They all wondered who it could be. Marlee thought that everybody had already been there today. She opened the door with Grandma B right behind her. There stood a lady with her two (2) children. Marlee knew those kids. It was Ginny and James and their mama. How fun. Of course, she invited them in. Everyone welcomed them to Marleewood. They said if they didn't mind they would like a tour of Marleewood. So Marlee took them around while the Grandmas made a snack and some drinks.

Soon everyone sat down and starting talking about Marleewood. Ginny asked if she could help with the Daycare. She told the Grandmas that she had helped take care of James ever since he was little. She loved him very much and would like to help. Her mama smiled and agreed. She told the Grandmas that she was a very good helper with younger children. They all agreed that she could start right after Thanksgiving Day.

While they were visiting they got to talking about Thanksgiving. The older ladies all had fond memories. The little ones of course, couldn't remember their first Thanksgivings. All of a sudden a rush of cold air came into the room and there was Grandma Lu. Everyone gave her a hug and asked her what in the world she was doing out in the cold. She said, "Well, I was kind of lonesome. My kids and grandkids are all grown up. I needed some company."

The little ones knew enough about Grandma Lu to know that she loved to tell stories. So they said, "Will you tell us a story, Grandma Lu, please? The little ones were like sweet memories to her. She said, "Sure, what would you like to hear?" The Grandmas answered, "Tell us a Thanksgiving story please." Well Grandma Lu grinned and said, "Well, I have lots of them. Do you want me to pick out one for you?" They all said yes. So Grandma Lu began.
"She said a few years ago, I had a friend. Her name was Carole. She and I did everything together. We shopped, we canned vegetables and even made wine together. Such fun we had. We even went to Grandma B's beauty shop together to have our hair done. Well, one year we decided to have a huge Thanksgiving dinner for many of our friends. There were several of them that didn't have any place to go. So we invited over thirty (30) people to her house."

James and Ginny and Marlee and Charlie and all their friends raised their hands and said, "Why didn't your friends have anywhere to go and what is Thanksgiving? We don't understand that."
Grandma Lu answered their questions with a sad look and said, "Well sometimes people don't have any family like you children do. Sometimes people don't even have a home they can go to. So that word, "Thankful" that we have been talking about, well my friend Carole and I were very thankful that we had homes, food to eat and plenty to share with our friends. We were thankful that we were warm too, but most of all we were so thankful that we had so many friends. They seemed to always be there when we needed them. Stashia is always there for you isn't she, Marlee? It's the same way when you get all grownup. Remember when your mamas and daddies and grandmas and grandpas always remind you to say Thank You when someone gives you something? That tells people that you are thankful for whatever they have given you; food, toys, water, or even for hugs. I think a really simple word for thankful would be "glad." I'm so glad you are my friends, yes it fits, doesn't it?"
"Getting back to my story now. We didn't have fancy food that day, but we had so much food that we sent food home with people when they left. We had turkey and dressing and salads and pies. But guess what was the best part?"
The children couldn't guess. They just sat still and waited for Grandma Lu to continued her story. "Well the very best part was, that we had music! We had friends there that loved to sing. They had guitars, and microphones. People danced and laughed. For just a little while their troubles were forgotten. For that I am very Thankful. Always be thankful for your family and friends. Do you understand a little bit better now?"
The children were little, but they seemed to understand the big dinner and music. But they still wondered why people had Thanksgiving Dinners. The children convinced Grandma Lu to tell them another Thanksgiving story another day. A story that would explain how Thanksgiving celebrations all got started in the first place.