Happy Thanksgiving

Long gone are the days of waking up in a Cumberland Homestead farmhouse on Thanksgiving Day, Mamaw in the kitchen before dawn prepping and cooking every heavenly morsel we looked forward to all year. The aroma of freshly percolated coffee and oven baked turkey, a strange and uniquely comforting emanation, rousing me from my sleepy slumber. I would tiptoe down the stairs, careful not to wake anyone, eager to share some alone time with my grandmother, watching in awe as she worked. I’m incredibly thankful to have that.

Thanksgiving looks a whole lot different these days, scaled down and simple, no huge family gatherings, no coffee, no turkey—it’s all about the sides—and Mamaw’s homemade chocolate pie. I’m more thankful in this moment than I’ve ever been, remembering the past and honoring this time of year that will forever evoke memories of a small homestead filled to overflowing with warmth, laughter and the unconditional love of family.

Happy Thanksgiving!