The Meaning of Thanksgiving
When we arrived at Doris and James' expansive house—my brother’s parents-in-law—located in a rural area outside of Jackson, we found the oval driveway filled with their relatives' cars. It was a crisp, drizzly Thanksgiving day. Most of the leaves had fallen from the trees, and the scent of smoke from the fireplace signaled the warmth that awaited us inside. As we entered the beautifully decorated home, the sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter enveloped us. The aroma of roasting turkey mingled with fresh-cut flowers and scented candles, creating an inviting atmosphere. Even the bathrooms impressed, offering soft, monogrammed hand towels instead of paper towels, along with fragrant soaps and perfumed hand lotions. The dining tables overflowed with every Southern culinary delight, and Doris’s cornbread dressing—made without white bread or fancy ingredients—stole the show. This was more than just a meal; it was a feast for the mind, body, and soul. Plus, everyone took home lef...