A mother's love on thanksgiving

On this particular Thanksgiving, the house was alive with noise and activity. Children of varying ages, from toddlers to teenagers, joyfully darted around, their laughter and excited chatter echoing in the hallways. Parents and relatives, meanwhile, were engrossed in their own lively conversations, which took place in the inviting comfort of the living room adorned with family photos and treasured mementos. Thanksgiving had always been a day synonymous with excitement and the comforting warmth of family connections. However, within the recesses of the house, specifically in the kitchen, an undercurrent of tension quietly lingered, casting a somewhat ominous shadow over the otherwise joy-filled atmosphere.

In the kitchen stood a young woman named Sally, her knuckles a stark white from her grip on the cool marble countertop. Just a few inches away from her trembling hands sat an acceptance letter from her dream university, a prestigious institution located a few states away. She had received it two days ago, and while the initial joy had been overwhelming, that feeling had quickly given way to a growing sense of dread. The looming question now was, how was she going to reveal this news to her mother? Sally hadn't even confided in her mother about starting her college applications, let alone applying to a school so far from home. The thought of leaving her mother alone in this house, the house where she grew up, filled her with a profound sadness. She let out an exhausted sigh, releasing the breath she hadn't realized she was holding, and brought her hands up to her forehead in a gesture of worry.

Throughout her life, Sally had been a content individual, never truly having any grand goals or aspirations. She took each day as it came and found happiness in the simplicity of her life. However, as she grew older, she began to feel a restlessness, a desire for something more. It was a struggle for her to pinpoint what this 'more' was, but eventually, she discovered her passion for writing. Day after day, she found herself lost in daydreams about becoming a writer, her thoughts filled with the stories she wanted to tell. After graduating high school, she decided to submit an application to a writing program at a university. For the first time in her life, she felt a burning desire to pursue something with all her heart. But the thought of leaving her current life, her mother, and their home was daunting. She began to question her own dreams, wondering if they were just fanciful thoughts she should disregard. As she started to rip up the acceptance letter, each tear felt like a stab to her heart.

In their family, there was a cherished tradition, a practice that had been passed down through generations. As they gathered around the dinner table, laden with a plethora of traditional Thanksgiving dishes, each person would take a turn expressing what they were grateful for. This ritual was not just about expressing gratitude, it was a thread of sentiment that bound the family, strengthening their connections. When it was Sally's turn, she felt the gravity of the moment and took a deep breath, her mind whirring with thoughts.

"I'm thankful for..." Sally paused, allowing the silence to emphasize her words. "I'm thankful for my mom." The words hung in the air, creating a poignant moment. "She has been my pillar of support during the times I felt lost and alone. We may not always have seen eye to eye, and there were instances when I was less than easy to handle. But she was always there for me, providing guidance and support when I most needed it. We may not always agree on everything, but our bond and mutual understanding have always remained strong, and for that, I am truly grateful. Thank you, mom."

Sally's mom, visibly moved by her daughter's heartfelt words, pulled her into a tight embrace. It was the kind of hug that only mothers can give, a hug that communicates love, sacrifice, and understanding. In that moment, Sally felt a sense of relief, knowing she had made the right choice.

As the night gradually wound down and the excitement of the evening began to fade, Sally started to clear the remnants of their feast. The scattered mess was a testament to the lively evening they had enjoyed. She couldn't help but marvel at the chaos children could create unintentionally, their youthful energy leaving its mark everywhere. Her contemplation was interrupted by her mom's voice calling her from the kitchen. As she entered the room, her mom once again wrapped her in a comforting hug.

"You got accepted! I'm... so proud! I'm just so incredibly proud of you, Sally! I knew you could do it!" The words hit Sally like a tidal wave, leaving her stunned and speechless. She berated herself silently for her carelessness. After all the times she had been caught sneaking chocolates from the cupboard as a child by leaving the wrappers in the trash, how could she be so reckless now?

“You’re not upset?” Sally managed to choke out, her voice barely a whisper. Her mother's joyous expression faltered momentarily, taken aback by Sally’s response.

Sally, feeling a wave of anxiety, braced herself for what was to come. "Of course I'm not upset, why would you think that?" her mother countered, her voice laced with surprise. "This is a tremendous opportunity for you, Sally. It's a testament to all your hard work and dedication. Why on earth would I be upset?" Hearing her mother's words, Sally felt a weight being lifted off her shoulders.

"Mom," Sally began, her voice almost inaudible, "I can't go. It’s too far away, and I can’t…” She paused, gathering the courage to voice her fear. “I can’t leave you alone here, I just can’t. It’s not fair to you.”

"Sally," her mother replied, her voice firm yet gentle, "You’re better than that… You can’t live your life worrying about others. It’s time for you to take your own steps, to forge your own path without constantly looking back for approval. You can visit once a month, and we can keep in touch with calls every morning and every night.” As she spoke, Sally’s mom placed her hand on Sally’s, offering comfort. “That’s what baby birds do. They spread their wings and fly away from the nest.” As her mother spoke, Sally couldn't help but cry, her emotions getting the better of her.

“I’ll miss you, though,” Sally confessed, her voice choked with emotion. It was then she realized it wasn’t just about leaving her mom alone; it was also her own fear of leaving the familiarity and comfort of her childhood home. “I’ll miss you more than anything.”

Her mother answered softly, her voice filled with love and understanding, “No matter how far you go, I’ll be here for you. My role as your mother doesn’t end when you grow up or move away.” Upon hearing these words, Sally and her mom embraced for a third time, holding each other tightly. This hug lasted longer, as neither wanted to let go. As Sally held her mother, she remembered her words of gratitude at the dinner table, realizing then just how deeply she meant them. She really is thankful for her mom, just like the true meaning of Thanksgiving emphasizes.