Thanksgiving and Casinos
We weren't sure we'd have Thanksgiving with my parents this year. My Dad
is recovering from a severe case of diverticulitis. My Mom is worn out caring for him. When we called over the last week to check on them, she sounded tired, more so than usual.
We called a couple days ago and they said, come on up for Thanksgiving. They don't travel so we drive the 100 miles to see them these days. Mom didn't want to cook. NO
ONE cooks in her kitchen but her. We offered to bring the food, but she didn't want to clean. NO ONE does dishes in her sink but her. So they suggested something I never imagined I would ever do in my life: Thanksgiving Dinner at the buffet at the casino near their house. "The food is really good," Mom said. I know it is because we've been there for lunch with them before, and for a Mother's Day buffet she wanted to go to one year.
Of course I said, "Sure! That sounds good, Mom!" even though it sounded... weird.
So we spent the afternoon with my parents watching episodes of "Hillbilly Handfishing" and car shows and went to the Casino for what was, in actuality, a really good buffet. During the meal Mom kept saying, "...and we don't have to do dishes!"
I never imagined ever in my life having a meal at a casino, much less aThanksgiving Dinner buffet.
But I never imagined being so thankful that my Dad and Mom are
still around to have dinner with at all. I believe this Thanksgiving is
more precious than all the others we've shared before.
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19 comments:
Amen! My FIL just had a heart attack at the end of last month, was released ten days ago, and was still sitting with us.
Glory to God!
I am so glad you had this time. It does sound very special.
Thanksgiving isn't about the food or the venue - it's about being thankful. Sounds like yours was what Thanksgiving is supposed to be. Thanks be to God for all things.
BTW - I don't think there is such thing as a mild case of diverticulitis. It's horribly painful. I'm glad the worst of it is behind him.
It will be a precious memory for you always. The last two Thanksgivings my maternal grandmother was alive, we ate at a restaurant; once without her as she was in the hospital, and then for what was her last Thanksgiving on earth, she was with us. We will always treasure it along with all the memories of her delicious meals over the years.
What a wonderful Thanksgiving you gave your mom.
What I want most of all is to be with my kids... we can have pizza or Chinese for all I care. However, the family wants that traditional meal.
I bet this Thanksgiving will be the one you remember the most.
I agree with Cha.....sounds like your Thanksgiving was what it was supposed to be...and that's what counts!
Casinos have GREAT food! Gambling is a sin but is eating at a Casino a sin? Man Hillbilly Handfishing is a hoot.
I am sure it meant just as much to your parents to have you there with them.
My prayers for you all.
I can imagine your mother's joy at being waited on for a change, and not have to worry about housework.
Wish had had been possible for you to have stayed with her and going there the next day, too.
Dear Steve,
I spent my Thanksgiving on a cruise ship. I was eating with Canadians.
P.S. Fasting and going on a cruise aren't technically mutually exclusive, but you're fooling yourself.
Excellent post. It is interesting how things change as our parents age and how memorable these modifications are compared to what were once our norms. We have a similar story with Christmas dinner in my mom's last year before cancer won the battle. I will forever treasure that unconventional Christmas dinner.
BUT...this comment had me rolling on the kitchen floor Fasting and going on a cruise aren't technically mutually exclusive, but you're fooling yourself. Been there. Done that. Ingemar is a fount of wisdom.
Ahem...The correct nominclature for Hillbilly hand fishing is Noodlin.
thats good they do have good buffets
some day I'll by like your folks (I'm 76, mywife is 56) and I will be more than grateful for such chow. I'm a better cook than her and she admits it every time I cook dinner.
Jim of Olym
PS thanks for all your posts over the years. they mean a lot to me.
Steve,
Did i hear right?--i was listening to one of the old Our Life In Christ podcasts last night and you said you were once a member of the Church of Christ. True? If so, i would LOVE to speak with you. i'm currently a member of a COC but am heavily considering Orthodoxy for a host of reasons, and i would deeply appreciate being able to talk to someone who could appreciate where i'm coming from (so far i've got no one who appreciates the CoC distinctives that figure into my investigation).
--guy
Hi Guy, Yes you heard right. Email me:
sevp dot robinson at gmail dot com.
Thanks so much! Already sent an email!
--guy
It brought joy to my heart to hear the words of your Mother, "And we don't have to do the dishes!", as the happiness that it apparently brought to her was more priceless then anything. God Bless you all! Praise the Lord!
One of my most precious memories is the year I decided to give up the huge holiday meal ordeal...er...preparation. The family was relieved not to have stressed mom polishing silver and handwashing the china and crystal and cooking for hours and hours and then practically falling from exhaustion by the time we sat down to dinner. We went to a breakfast buffet which was underwhelming and then had Christmas dinner eating pizza at the local movie theater. I don't remember the movie, but I remember everyone having fun and being relaxed together. It's a shame it took me so long.
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