This was the first time for me celebrating Thanksgiving in Tanzania, and it was good. Though I didn’t locate turkey or stuffing or cherry noodles (a family recipe), we dined on kitimoto (roast pork), roasted bananas, and vegetables. AND CRANBERRY SAUCE!
Later I managed to find chicken schnitzel with mashed potatoes and just a tad bit of gravy. Oh and hard cider. 😊. Ah, that’s a little closer:
Okay I lied. I found some delicious wild turkey to celebrate. Or is this the “sauce”? 😂
Although it was nice, this holiday was difficult because it is the first without my mom. Sigh. I thought of her much today and missed getting a warm hug from her. I know she’s watching us from Heaven, though. I love you, Mom.
My brother wrote a poem to mom, and I’ll just end with that. Thanks, Jeff, and happy Thanksgiving to all. Count your blessings this holiday, and do something nice for someone.
Where Are You Mom?
Where are you mom? You should be here.
Eating this turkey, sharing this cheer.
It’s been months since God took you away.
I miss you so much, why couldn’t you stay?
This Thanksgiving celebration won’t be the same.
Without your cooking, of greatest acclaim.
I’ll miss the turkey and casserole dish.
The pumpkin pie, always my first wish.
Someone else will cook those things now.
But it won’t be as good as your wonderful chow.
Something about your motherly touch.
No ingredient can replace your love insomuch.
Mostly I’ll miss your hugs and your smiles.
Angelically perfect, your love stretched for miles.
Where are you mom? In heaven I guess.
So sad for us, but for you it’s the best.
One day perhaps, I’ll see you again.
To St. Peter you’ll vouch. He’ll have to let me in.
Until then I’ll hold you close in my heart.
Never forgetting even though death has torn us apart.
Watch over me mom, I need your guidance.
Look after me, give me faith with abundance.
I love you mom and I’ll remember forever
Your kind, gentle spirit and your faith lived with fervor.
So mom, on this Thanksgiving day
Thank you for teaching me how love and to pray.
Because through prayer, I can still ask for your advice.
And I know you’ll answer, even though it’s as quiet as mice.
Where are you mom? I wish you’d come home.
Then I could see if you are enjoying this poem.
But I guess I’ll just imagine this poem is up to the task.
And you’re sharing it with the angels, despite the veil of death’s mask.
Where are you mom? It’s time I say goodnight.
I know you are there, in heaven’s twinkling starlight.
-Jeffrey Nedrow
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