Thanksgiving 2.0

Holidays were always a special treat at the Norchs' house. The house filled with busy energy as the holiday approached, and the preparation and anticipation of a fun family gathering was palpable in the air.

Now, we are faced with celebrating the holidays without Jim and Becky.

As the three boys divided up the food responsibilities, the to-do list resembles the one Jim and Becky used to have. Our recipes and ingredients list are hers. Somehow the boys have become the filler of Jim and Becky's shoes- the people that have to continue the traditions without them. It’s an impossible job and an impossible task. But a task they undertake willingly, in order to pass on the times and traditions that Jim and Becky loved.

I can still see Becky standing in the kitchen with her apron on, recipe book open. Cooking away, making the kitchen smell of deliciousness- the savory scents of a full turkey dinner and the sweet smells of homemade pies. She made it look so simple.

I can see Jim tending to the turkey, mashing the potatoes, and making sure all the pieces of the dinner come together. He made it look stress-free.

The table in the dining room was beautifully set with a festive tablecloth and the special dishes from the china cabinet. The table which was always able to accommodate however many people came to celebrate, now set with 2 fewer place settings.

We're faced with carrying on their tradition, and we can only hope to replicate the spirit and excitement of the holidays. We can attempt to recreate her recipes and her plans. But the magic of them is missing. That’s not something you can recreate with chicken broth and noodles. We are faced with continuing traditions, and creating new memories for our kids, and maybe one day, their kids.

So, we buy the noodles and potatoes. We make the turkey and casserole and prepare the traditional food from Becky's recipe book. Maybe we even microwave the corn and forget to put it on the table, like Becky used to do. The boys will do their traditional holiday shot of whiskey. Things will keep going, but there will be a slight ache and longing for days gone by.

This emptiness will stay with us. It’s proof of LOVE that is missed. This is a time to feel blessed that we were loved beautifully enough to be worthy of someone creating family traditions to celebrate with us, and blessed that we have the opportunity to gather together and continue that tradition for someone else.