Thanksgiving time for sharing

Dear Readers: Today is Thanksgiving. We trust you are sharing the day with family and friends. We also hope you remembered those who are less fortunate. For those who are spending the day volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens, we send our deepest appreciation for your generosity of spirit.

Here is a poem sent to us by a thoughtful reader, author unknown, which we thought you might enjoy: The Night Before Thanksgiving: ‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving and in my sleep, Strange dreams in my mind began to creep. Thanksgiving leftovers beckoned – the dark meat and white, But I fought the temptation with all of my might. Tossing and turning with anticipation … The thought of a snack became infatuation … So to the kitchen I did race, flung open the door, And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore. I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground! I crashed through the ceiling. Floating into the sky … With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie, But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees. HAPPY EATING TO ALL! PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE!

Dear Annie: As a minister, I would like to respond to those letters you have received about men who cannot get dates. I would like to tell her about a true story about Jacob, who was 93 years old, and his wife, Emma, age 91.

On Aug. 14, 2001, I was summoned to the home of Jacob, who was on his deathbed. I was asked to give Jacob his last blessing. The doctor stated that Jacob would likely pass away within the hour. As I sat with him, we spoke of his younger years and how he used to bore Emma with farm talk and what the cows had done that day. As we spoke, Emma nodded her head and smiled and said, “You used to bore me to my wits’ end, but I loved you just the same.” As Emma leaned over to kiss Jacob goodbye, Jacob died quietly.

On July 12, 2002, I was summoned to the bedside of Emma, who had suffered a serious stroke. Emma spoke very slowly so that I could hear her. She asked me, “Will God allow me one request?” I asked her what her request was, and she said, “Will God allow me to be in Jacob’s arms? I would like to hear about the cows again.” I told Emma that her request was what God was waiting for. I held her hand, and within minutes, Emma died.

Any spouse who will not be a good listener will miss out on the little things that bring joy to a marriage. May God bless. – Reverend in Mayfield, N.Y.

Dear Reverend: Most people wish for a marriage as full of love as that of Jacob and Emma. Thank you for a heartwarming story.