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By Liz Quirin

Starting a New Tradition

We have Thanksgiving all around us: We’re swimming in gratitude and gravy, turkey and tofurkey — and no I didn’t make that up. It’s a turkey made from tofu for vegetarians. Since I have one in the family — vegetarian not tofurkey — I’ve heard and seen some interesting foods. However, this Thanksgiving, I have been tasked to make a pumpkin pie. Usually I can skate through by bringing fresh fruit — not too much prep there, but this year, the pie was added.

Since I haven’t made any pie at all for oh so many years, I decided I would practice. Because I don’t use canned pumpkin, I have been scurrying around town, buying fresh pumpkins. You would think it would be easy, but the pumpkin crop has all but disappeared since Halloween. Do they do that on purpose? I have, however, now stockpiled a few pumpkins and began my quest for an edible — not great or gourmet — pumpkin pie. I tried my first version yesterday, and it was less than satisfactory.

As we go to press I have two more days to practice to get it right, at least right enough to serve to the rest of the family. Since they’ve known me so long, the bar is not set very high for this pie.

And while I’m stirring up my ingredients, I begin to think of all the people that annoy me, that irritate me, that potentially cause me to lose sleep because of my irritation. I’m trying as I stir this pumpkin concoction to find a way to be thankful for them. It’s easy to be thankful for the people you like, but what about those you don’t like? There’s a real challenge. A neighborhood busybody could cause some angst unless, oh my, it’s you. Not possible, you say. Thinking about the other busybody: You can take that person out of the mix because some day a busybody could save a life pursuing their busybody ways of making sure everyone in the neighborhood is safe, and no strangers go undetected.

Then there’s that saccharine coworker that never has a bad day, comes in with a smile and no complaints. Step back, here. Maybe that person is “high on life” rather than some other drug, and perhaps everyone needs to lighten up. However, some days you can be grateful if you miss seeing him or her. You can be happy you have a job or someplace you have to be with people who see you as a person who brings joy rather than “sugar” to the group.
It is definitely easier to be thankful for our families — unless these are the people who annoy you more by the day — but it’s time to begin a new tradition. Include in your list the people who don’t top your wish list of those you want to see. It will give you an altogether different view of this holiday. Maybe say a prayer for them as they gather around their tables. Maybe they’re praying for you as well. Please include a plea for the pumpkin bakers that they will not be cast back into the pumpkin patch of those who didn’t make the “taste” grade.