Thoughts on Thanksgiving by Webster Franklin

Me with Webster on Ft. Morgan Ferry

Even though we are into the Christmas Season...I need to go back to Thanksgiving. My brother sent me something that should be shared. Our family tradition for Turkey day/week.

Guest blogger for Sweet Salty and Southern...My Brother, Webster Franklin

It’s Thanksgiving week, Ft.Morgan. 

We arrived here some 15 years ago, a way to escape the traditions of the past….turkey, dressing, wine, Clarksdale, MS where our family all converged each year to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Today, it’s a much different celebration….Today, we have 3 of the 4 sisters in the kitchen, on the beach, barking orders to Lansdale (the only true chef and food blogger among us). Lansdale has assumed the responsibility of chief cook and feeder of the family. Although the youngest, with a child of 18 months, still, she slaves over the hot stove tonight….cooking! The meal is Mexican. Her husband Rich has dutifully grilled the meat while she has prepared the Margaritas, the chicken and the beans for what is sure to be a non-traditional Thanksgiving week meal.

You see, our family began traveling to Ft. Morgan upon the death of our Grandfather, Father or Father-n-law, depending on your standing within the family. Thanksgiving was always the traditional affair in Clarksdale…..Turkey, Dressing, Wine and a good oyster casserole…Tonight however is the evolution of this traditional affair. As a family who enjoys traditions, it is comforting that a new tradition has been formed in a generation or one that is less than 15 years old. Our children, Hardy, Burch, Webb will surely see this holiday in a much different light than my sister and I. They will see it as one of fun, where everyone gathers, plays games, shares stories, receives gifts and learns of where and whom they come from. Thanksgiving to them will be full of memories and songs made up over food and drink that I hope they can one day pass along to their own family.

My wish and hope is….that in the next 15 years that we are doing the same in the tradition of our family. One that is always changing, enjoying each other and always remembering from which we come!

 Webster, thank you for this. It means more than you know. Love, Sister.