lagunabeachindy . com NOVEMBER 18 , 2022 17
GUEST OPINION : HOLIDAY DIGEST
Thanksgiving Memories
By Arlene E . Bernholtz
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday . The smell of turkey roasting in the oven triggers memories of past gatherings . It is a time to put the “ thanks ” in Thanksgiving and share with others .
A flashback to the time we invited a stranger to join our Thanksgiving dinner . An elderly woman opened a conversation with me and my husband Barry in Ralphs market on Coast Highway . She mentioned our laughter and overflowing shopping cart caught her attention . This scene brought back memories of holiday shopping with her own family before they grew up and scattered around the country . Unexpectedly , tears filled the woman ’ s eyes as words blurted out how lonely she felt . My husband and I looked at each other , nodded in agreement and extended an invite to our dinner . She appeared stunned for a moment but accepted and we quickly exchanged information . This act of generosity and sharing blossomed into many years of Anne included in all our family festivities . We were shocked to learn one day that she passed away unexpectedly in her sleep .
Another fond memory of the season was having potluck dinners with friends who were alone or estranged from their own families . I provided the turkey and others brought their own culinary skills . It was always a joyous occasion and since the ocean
A popular solution for empty nesters was Bring Your Dog to Thanksgiving Dinner , held at the Festival of the Arts . Submitted photo .
was across from our location , we all loved looking out at the open sea and watching the crashing waves blend into the smooth sand .
A birthday party sleepover for daughter Andrea always brings a memorable laugh . One year it was very close to Thanksgiving . I was busy preparing the turkey for our dinner the following night . Some of the girls wandered into my domain , and I can still hear their squeals upon seeing the raw bird in all its naked glory . They quickly ran to warn the others to stay out of Mrs . B ’ s kitchen . They had never seen a turkey unless it was cooked and presented on a serving platter for dinner .
Years passed and our children moved away to work in environmental vocations in other parts of the world . Suddenly we were alone on our favorite holiday .
A perfect solution for us empty nesters was discovered reading an ad in the Indy . The organization Rescue Unwanted Furry Friends , known as RUFF , was promoting a fundraiser , Bring Your Dog to Thanksgiving Dinner . The popular Tivoli Terrace restaurant and event site was the ideal location on the Festival of Arts grounds . Thoughtful friends who
BERNHOLTZ , PAGE 19
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By milanzeremski / shutterstock . com
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