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When the past becomes the present

When I was younger and lived in Farmington Hills, our neighborhood would rent a bus and we would go downtown to watch the Thanksgiving Parade. My most vivid memories of those excursions include the cold that would seep from the cold, concrete sidewalks into my boots and numb my toes and the cup of hot cocoa that turned quickly to lukewarm cocoa and last but not least, I remember a few of the floats. 





This year, I got to see the Parade from the warmth of the Episcopal Church's offices on Woodward Avenue while sipping warm coffee and eating delectable treats. While I may have missed the full technicolor, musical experience, my toes thanked me!

We spent Thanksgiving in Detroit at Michael's (my eldest) and Carmen's home. We could be starting a new holiday tradition - instead of gathering at the Douglas 'homestead'. Since Carmen is due to deliver the next generation, on December 14 we all agreed that she should not travel and we would celebrate together with them in their home. I was relegated to providing the appetizers and making the broccoli and cheese casserole. Michael made the turkey (gotta say it was the best I've had and not matter where we have it next year, he should be the one making it!) and the rest of the family provided all the other sides or desserts.

              


Madeline and Matthew in the back
Delaney and Nelli in the front
Michael is in charge


It was glorious! There is such joy, as a parent, watching your adult children 'adult' and do it so splendidly. I could see that this was something that they have longed to do, highjack all the cooking/managing/presenting the Thanksgiving feast. 

And in the end, I suppose, that's what parenting is all about. Raising them up to become capable adults. I feel I can now sit back and rest on my laurels. I just love them!
                         

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  1. AnonymousNovember 27, 2023 at 11:50 AM

    Awesome! I remember your Uncle Jim and me going on that bus with ALL the nieces and nephews—at least 50 that year— to that parade while all my siblings stayed home and slept in! My camera froze up on about 5 minutes!!!!

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