MY PRIVATE PLACE TO GIVE THANKS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving evokes many memories for me including a day of pride, one of my "firsts" and making do with what I had. I am sure all of us have such memories.

When I was in the 2nd or 3rd grade, my class put on a Thanksgiving play, to which all parents were invited. We were all told to wear the newest rage, white tennis shoes, as we wouldn't slip or slide on the slippery stage floor. Since my grandmother thought any shoe that didn't have straps and a sturdy heel was not fit to wear, this school's edict was a turning point in my life. I could as last get out of those stuffy and boring shoes and wear what was the fashion.

Since my grandmother worked, I really had no hopes of her coming to the play. When we walked out on the stage and I saw her sitting in the audience, I was delighted and managed to recite my on line with all that was in me. I can still remember it: "N is for the nuts we children all adore, we'll eat them on Thanksgiving Day and then we'll ask for more!" as I proudly held up the N card in Thanksgiving.

About the same age, we were invited to my cousin's grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. This lady was dignified and quite proper, so I was on my best behavior. She even let me break up the lettace for the salad...this was the first time I was given any "adult" responsibility in a kitchen. You can imagine my pride in doing that.

There were so many people around and I wanted to give thanks for all my blessings, but there was no place of solitude to do so, except...........THE BATHROOM. I went into the bathroom, closed the door, lowered the toilet seat (out of reverence, I suppose), sat down and began to list all those people and things I was most thankful for. It may not have been orthodox, but I am sure He heard me.

ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: Who was the 1st African American performer to win a major Emmy award? Harry Belafonte
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Under whose administration was Thanksgiving declared a national holiday?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump, and may your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.