From My Porch to Yours
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“The Quiet Joy of Showing Up”
By Amy El-Rai Brow
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I am caught up in memories and emotions. Now at 58, with many Thanksgivings behind me, see things differently than I did in my 20’s when it was all about food. Now, in my mind’s eye, I can see that it wasn’t the food but rather the people that prepared the food. It wasn’t about the new outfit I might get if there was money for it but rather the stories we would listen to and tell. I, with so many loved ones who have gone on to heaven, understand that it is the people who you spend your holiday with that make it special and enjoyable. Don’t worry if there’s no big turkey on the table this year but rather be thankful you are still together. If you have, like me, lost some of those people who made your holidays special, remember to honor them by making Thanksgiving special for those around you. Be that person that makes a memory special.
Thanksgiving, at its heart, is a pause—a moment to gather, to reflect, and to give thanks not just for what we have, but for who we have. It’s the laughter around a mismatched table, the stories that resurface year after year, and the quiet comfort of being known. Even when the menu is modest.Even when the chairs arefewer than before. The spiritof the day remains rich. We honor those who came before us by showing up forthose beside us now—withkindness, with presence, and with love.
In a town like ours, wherefamiliar faces greet you atthe post office and casseroles show up unannounced onhard days, we already knowthe quiet power of showingup for one another.
This Thanksgiving let’slean into that. Let’s check on the neighbor who might bealone, pull up an extra chair,or simply say, “I’m gladyou’re here.” Not everyonehas a table to return to, butwe can be the ones whomake room. These smallgestures become the storiessomeone will tell years fromnow.
So, this Thanksgiving,let’s hold our people close—those at the table and thosewe carry in our hearts. Let’sbe the reason someone feelsremembered, included, andloved. Because in the end,it’s not the feast that lingers,but the feeling of being cherished.
From my porch to yours, may your Thanksgiving befilled with love, memory,and the quiet joy of showingup.