Author: Chara Donahue

‘Twas the week before Thanksgiving and all through the house,
people were nauseous and I looked at my spouse.

The children were stirring, up late in their beds,
with buckets, in case, next to their heads.

Daddy disinfected and I took a nap,
trying to elude a nasty virus’ trap.

Then the night before the meal, the pre-heat buzzer was beeping,
reminding us to cook while little ones were sleeping.

Away to the oven the pies would be taken,
and soon after sunrise the turkey’d be bakin’,
but “Who would be well, and who would be sick?”
was the question that lingered, as the clock ticked.

We kept prepping the food for the Thanksgiving table,
while praying the tummies would “please, stay stable.”

The best laid plans diverted by things unforeseen,
…but that isn’t the end so pass the caffeine.

We’re better together – so together we’ll be!
We’ll eat what we may, and then play Yahtzee®.

We’ll watch movies, and football, maybe a parade,
Charlie Brown might make it, if his story gets played.

Rolls and applesauce, with Turkey and pie,
each meal hand-picked, to singly satisfy.
Whether sick or well, we’ve been given each other:
sister, brother, father, and mother.

“I am grateful for life and my family today;
for grace, for love, for Jesus!” I say.

We treasure the memories that the day will have made,
not too soon, too quickly, or too easily fade.

We’ll heed this blessed lesson, to take through the years,
one destined to bring joy, and save many tears.

Things don’t have to be perfect for things to be good,
and don’t always turn out how we think that they should.

Focus on the praiseworthy, the noble, and true,
and look to the One, that will bring you through.
Don’t give into despair, but fight for delight.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!