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SALT LAKE CITY — If anyone says "Thanks for nothing" while at my house, I consider it a compliment.
Years ago while visiting the in-laws, my father-in-law, always being the attentive host, offered us a snack. One by one we said yes, I'd like a piece of pie, cake or cookie. However when he came to my middle child, my son said he didn't care for anything.
After the pleasantries and treats were exchanged, we gathered the kids and headed out the door. Upon leaving, we took our turns saying goodbye and thanks for the cake, thanks for the pie, thanks for the cookie. When it came to my son's turn, he said goodbye and then hesitated with a puzzled look, remembering he hadn't had any pie, cake or cookie. Being the polite little boy he was, he happily uttered "Thanks for nothin’.”
This year, I am thankful for the nothingness of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is the ignored middle child of holidays, casually stuffed between the favored ones: Halloween and Christmas. It quietly endures years of indifference, yet never clamors for attention. You ask for nothing but thankful hearts and sharing tables. For this reason, I declare Thanksgiving the sweetheart of all holidays, and to me, it will always be the golden child.
Here's to you and a big thanks for nothing times 10.
- Parents that showed me nothing but unconditional love.
- Year after year seeing my family share their something Thanksgiving with many who had nothing.
- A husband who is the calm in my storm, who says nothing at the right time.
- Kids and grandkids who bring nothing but their wonderful happy energetic selves to Sunday dinner.
- Abundant cupboards and pantry, yet having the willpower to eat nothing.
- Rare beautiful days with nowhere to be and nothing to do.
- The off button on the television, computer, cellphone, etc., immersing the air and my crazy head in nothingness.
- Connecting to another human being with nothing but eye contact and a smile.
- The knowledge that I would have nothing if not for a merciful and gracious God.
- The opportunity and ability to purchase nothing this year for myself — with very few exceptions. Thank you, Thanksgiving, for coming with no costumes, no candy in bags, no ribbons, no packages, no presents with tags.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all, Thanks for nothin'!
Holly Brown is a self-described loner who likes people from a distance, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texting, etc. You may contact her via e-mail at hollyberrybrown@gmail.com
