Although my husband is absent for inpatient medical treatment, the children and I have had a happy Thanksgiving.  We got a well thought-out package of food from a local church. Besides the turkey and the usual trimmings, there were eggs, milk, and other basics. There was something for an easy breakfast and light lunch. There was a little snack food, tasty but almost healthy. Lots of canned food. They even included a disposable roasting pan!

 

What really impressed me was that most of the items were the same cost-effective brands I buy when I pick for myself. That really touched me. Some help projects distribute stuff grocery stores would otherwise throw away; I don't mind because usually the quality is only slightly less and it saves waste. I consider this just pragmatic. Some give a few expensive advertised brand items that are 2 and 3 times the best price -- I always wish I could have even given the money or a gift certificate and allowed to shop for myself. I see the brand-name gifts as condescending. This was a gift of the best value for the money. I heartily approve of that! It makes me feel that I'm like other smart shoppers at all income levels.

 

I'm frequently reminded there are other people worse off than I am. I met a woman through FreeCycle, a bulletin board type service that does free adds for gently used second hand stuff. She doesn't have a car, doesn't have a job, has been permanently abandoned by her man, has an autistic child. I'm teaching her some of my survival skills.

 

Just days after Rick went into the hospital, I met a woman who was in tears.  When she took her boyfriend to his appointment with his probation officer, he was arrested for something they'd thought was cleared up. It could have meant two years of prison! I could understand her shock and fear at the propsect of two years without his financial support! Happy to report, that was sorted out somehow, their December wedding is on again, and two wee girls will have a happy Christmas with both parents. 

 

As for me, I plan to have a happy Christmas with friends and family. My boss is cooking! Yeppers, she's going to make sushi, too. I'll do like a Mennonite and bring a relish tray. Japanese appreciate pickles; I've tried many kinds of Japanese pickles. One kind of pickle I'll bring is my own adaptation of a Japanese one; I use a different vinegar that gives a pretty natural color. I think I'll make a dessert, too. Teruko-san likes desserts, loves them, but she never makes them.

 

Rose B, mother of three, in NC