The fourth Thursday in November got here fast this year! It’s so hard to believe 2022 is already coming to an end. We had started the year off by saying goodbye to Cavin’s dad and we knew that Thanksgiving would not be the same without him at the table. We would miss his stories about growing up in Missouri, life in the Navy, and flying helicopters in Vietnam. This year around our table, all but two carried the Cawthon name, and I believe that Zed Cawthon would have been proud of the legacy he left behind.
Cavin and I were determined to make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves and had some good Southern food! We planned our meals, made the grocery list, cleaned the house, and welcomed each guest with open arms! I tried to savor the time with family and friends because we know too well that time really is fleeting.
A few years ago I gave up cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. In place of turkey, we fry chicken tenders. I still do the traditional sides, including Southern cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, macaroni, and cheese. At the end of the meal, we had leftovers of everything… everything that is…. except…. the chicken! The plate was clean with just a few remaining crumbs! I guess frying chicken for Thanksgiving was a good decision!
Thanksgiving lunch is not just about the food. 2022 reminded us how important it is to make memories with those you love. As we went around the table, each person shared what they are thankful for. There was humor because that’s just the way the Cawthons roll, but at the heart of it all, it was obvious to see that we are blessed in so many ways. This year had caused our family to reflect on God’s goodness even in the face of death. Life definitely has its struggles, but we know that the Lord’s hand of provision and protection has sustained us as our faith collided with real life.
The week of Thanksgiving brought family, friends, food, and fun into our home. By Saturday morning, all of our company had said goodbye, and Cavin and I found ourselves alone for the first time that week. As we reflected on the time spent together, we knew good memories had been made.
The house was eerily quiet. It was time to pack up the fall decor and drag out the Christmas tree and all of the ornaments. It was time to watch the annual Iron Bowl football game. As the game came to an end, I put the last ornament on the tree.
Thanksgiving had come and gone. It was a good week. We ate a lot! We laughed even more! We reflected on the past and made plans for the future. Our family brings so much joy to our lives. We love to be together and miss each other when we are apart. And this year, our kids decided to share a little of themselves. They left behind all of their germs and now Cavin and I are enjoying some holiday congestion, coughing, and sneezing! We should feel better just in time to welcome them all back home for Christmas!
Sampling the South…one holiday at a time!