How many people get to spend almost every Thanksgiving in the same place? I venture to say, not many but for 44 of my 45 thanksgivings, I have been at 905 Maple Street-Lawrenceville, IL. I missed one with a sick boy but other than that, I've been there to experience the fights over GG noodles, the race that used to happen to the refrigerator for Boston Creme Pie, the spilled drinks, the babies turning into not being babies anymore, the laughter and occassional tears, and the love! Thinking back on Thanksgivings, I can remember-heading to Lincoln School to play softball one year. I remember singing loudly in the car, "over the river and thru the woods" when we were only driving 2 miles. I can remember waiting to see what shift Uncle Russ was working at Texaco so we knew if we'd eat at noon or evening. I can remember a small television, with a knob that you had to turn to find any football game. I can remember crawling under the bunk to find the toys that had been their for years but always seemed magical to play with. I can remember trying to find my place at the table. I can remember walking through the door to be greated by Happy Thanksgiving. I can remember "Turkey in the Oven". I can remember huge carmel apples. I can remember the smells of turkey, mashed potatoes, and those famous noodles that Grammy makes. I can remember opening the doors because the fire in the fireplaces and 30 some people made the room so hot, we had to cool down. I can remember feeling Thankful. Thankful for a family-where tradition runs strong, where laughter rings through the house, where love is unconditional. I am thankful!
