What’s it to ya?!

Great timing for post 1.4.3, the “what’s it to ya?!” post. A story by me; the person writing this.

I’ve had several conversations the past few weeks with various friends, acquaintances, past co-workers etc. Conversations about the holiday everyone’s celebrating today called Thanksgiving. I found myself unintentionally conducting a science experiment by asking each of my conversationalists something along the lines of: “what ya’all got goin for Thanksgiving?” And that is where this story got its inspiration.

Everyone had a main focus and destination, they all knew where they were going, who would be there and what the meal would be. The basics: in-laws, parents, grandparents, sometimes I heard multiple locations. I was told about all the prep work involved and timing such as this place at such n such time and then go to that place. I was told about family flying in for the holiday and twice, the person I was on the phone with, was the one doing the flying. Many variations to how this day would take shape according to everyone I talked to but everyone shared the same common denominator:

During these conversations, I learned they all share something else in common, which I found to be peculiar and somewhat disturbing. They all shared a variation of complaints. Below are just a few:
-ya I’m gonna have to go deal with all the family drama
-’stacy’ is gonna be there and you know I can’t stand her
-the last time we all got together was a sh-show
-if so-in-so is there I’m not staying
-I’ll be better when it’s over
-I’d rather just work and not deal with it
One person even told me they wish they didn’t have to celebrate Thanksgiving so they’d have more money to spend on Black Friday. Trust me, these are just the ones I listed, I heard more. Being the guy on the listening end of these conversations, hearing all these complaints, I couldn’t help but notice the one thing they all take for granted:

Let’s try to imagine not having any of those options. Your family is the image you see in the mirror when you brush your teeth. There’s nobody behind you or next to you, you don’t have anywhere to go and there won’t be anybody knocking on your door. Don’t worry about greeting everyone as you walk past them. No handing out hugs and hand shakes while you balance the food you brought for the festivity. I’m sure it’s impossible for most of you reading this post to imagine such a scenario but for many people, that’s the reality.

So today I have a prayer. Everyone is included in this prayer, of course, but I’d like to keep the scales a little heavy on the side where the solo people are: The widow / widower. The orphan. The people who are jailed right now. The unfortunate. The homeless. The mentally Ill. The person in the hospital nursing injuries. The soldiers away from home. The abandoned child. The first responders who can’t leave their post. The lady walking her dog. Everyone emotionally attached to the missing Argentine submarine. The doctor in E.R. The gas station attendant. This list could continue for a long time, please don’t hesitate to add any recipients you can think of.
“God bless us all, bless everyone mentioned and everyone who isn’t, I ask that you bless us all the same. Bless everyone fortunate to have the dilemma of a family gathering and God please bless all those who can’t share in that dilemma. We’re thankful we have you today, please continue to guide us, direct us and impose your will on us. Please help us prevent our tongues from being spiteful toward one another. We know without you we’re nothing, please help us be thankful and grateful today. We love you all the time, thank you for loving us back. In your sons name we pray.”