Our Last American Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving felt different. Not in any dramatic way. The turkey was perfect, the table was full, and the laughter came easy. But sitting there surrounded by my kids, my daughter-in-law and grandson, my mom and Don, and my son Noah's in-laws, we both felt it: the quiet knowledge that this might be our last American Thanksgiving for a while.
We didn't talk about France much during dinner. Instead, we focused on what was right in front of us: good food, better company, and the kind of moments that somehow feel extraordinary when you know they're limited.
My mom was able to sit and enjoy her grandkids and great-grandson. My kids were relaxed and happy, teasing each other the way siblings do. Of course, we all missed my youngest daughter Zahra. We ate dinner, dessert, and some sipped apple cider while others sipped wine.
The food was everything Thanksgiving should be: classic, comforting, and made with care. We kept it traditional. Two turkeys, one oven-roasted and one smoked on the Traeger. Andras made these amazing turkeys using some of Heath Riles' wonderful rubs and seasonings. We also had all the fixings: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and more pies than any reasonable group of people could finish. I made this incredible sweet potato and beet side dish that I'll make many times again. Mom, of course, made our family's traditional oyster dressing recipe and the turkey dressing too.
What struck us most wasn't any single moment but the feeling of the whole day. It was warm, uncomplicated, and full of the people who matter most. No one tried to make it perfect or Pinterest-worthy. It was just real. And maybe that's what made it so meaningful. Normally I would be taking crazy amounts of pictures of everyone, though this year many of the pictures were of the new grandbaby celebrating his first Thanksgiving.
Morgan, my daughter-in-law, made the cutest construction paper turkey, and we all added what we were thankful for on the feathers. I'll be saving this to bring with me to hang up during our American Thanksgivings in France.
As the evening wound down and people started gathering their things, there were longer hugs than usual. A few extra moments at the door. Small reminders that while we're not leaving yet, the idea of leaving is starting to settle in for everyone.
We're grateful. Not just for the meal or the company, but for the fact that we still have time. Time to share more dinners, more stories, more ordinary days that we'll carry with us when we finally board that plane to France.
For now, though, we're still here. Still surrounded by the people and places we love. And this Thanksgiving reminded us just how much there is to be thankful for, even as we prepare to say goodbye.
