We have always celebrated Thanksgiving by having relatives and friends for dinner.  Always after the Detroit Lions game, please note.  It was a large group of people.

One year, my oldest daughter, who was nine at the time, stood up spontaneously and said she wanted to thank everyone “for celebrating the rape and pilferage of the Native Americans.”  There was a pause, and then everyone nodded and said they agreed.

Thus explains the politics of our family and friends.  That was thirty-five years ago and the teaching about Thanksgiving has not changed in most families or schools.

What we celebrate is being together.  We moved to California to be with my children, grandchildren and the extended family.  That is who comes to our home for Thanksgiving.  It is a joyful, intimate, loving get together. We are thankful.