Island Senior: Happy Thanksgiving!

With my Mom, Flossie, at Plimoth Village 1991

Each year Thanksgiving comes around as a timely reminder to be thankful for the many ways in which we are blessed. One thing I am thankful for are my memories of a family trip to Boston and visit to the historic Plimoth Plantation.

The main reason for the trip was my sister Betty’s wedding but the rich history of the place was impossible to ignore. Right there in the churchyard where the wedding took place were the gravestones of both Benjamin Franklin and Mother Goose!

As tourists we saw a replica of the Mayflower and the real Plymouth Rock. Without the plaque Plymouth Rock would be unremarkable, but it is said to be where the Pilgrims first set foot on the American continent in 1620. We also visited a replica of a 17th century Pilgrim village. Here actors played the parts of historic folk, a preacher, a blacksmith, and industrious farmwomen.

Also part of the museum was a native wetu — a house. In this setting, descendants of Wampanoag natives demonstrated tanning a deer hide and cooking but what I found most memorable were the jokes they told about the Pilgrims.

So much of the history between European settlers and indigenous Americans is a grim story of violent conquest. This was true about the Pilgrims, yet in the fall of 1621, after a year of hardship and sickness, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag gathered together for three days of feasting and entertainment.

This Thanksgiving if you are gathering with family, friends, or community, between the turkey, pie, and football be sure to take a few moments to count your blessings. My Mom and Jim are gone now. The children of my sister’s marriage are now grown-up adults. Time has swept by since I poked Plymouth Rock with my own toe.

I’m thankful for pumpkin pie and turkey sandwiches. I’m thankful for my dear friends and the beautiful island I call home. I’m also thankful for my memories of a fun family journey across the country to the place of the first Thanksgiving. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Note: The island’s 24th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Mullis Center. The Mullis Center will supply the space but the Community Thanksgiving Dinner organization is putting on the event. To participate or volunteer, visit their website.

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