Thanksgiving Day in the US

As the gold and crimson season of autumn descends, we think of cherished blessings of family, home and friends. And that would start counting the days to Thanksgiving Day – a day celebrated joyfully and memorably than Christmas

Here in the US, people from all walks of life look forward to celebrate Thanksgiving Day anywhere…at home, to places outside their states, or take a trip somewhere since they would usually have four days and a long weekend. For us, it was a whole week spent out of California. We drove to Las Vegas and our dear friends, Dr. Jonathan and Beth Reboton immediately hosted a pre-thanksgiving dinner in one of the Thai restos in the strip. The next day, Gerry and Fiza Du with little Jason hosted dinner at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. Buffet dinner in Vegas is fantastic. In the first dinner, Cebuano friends Angie Gochan Hernaez with daughter Alexis and brother Fred Gochan joined us.

Upon returning to Lake Forest, even before we could unpack, invitations from Dr. Letty Du brought us to Temecula City for the real Thanksgiving dinner with no less than two turkeys to boot – one roasted and the other fried, about 20 lbs. each. With all the food served, I thought of the hundreds of our brothers and sisters who have nothing on their tables. As I led the thanksgiving prayer, I thanked the good Lord for all the blessings and I fervently prayed for special blessings to our brethren in our country, that despite the crisis, they too will have food on this special day.

Meanwhile, some Cebuanos who are in California and were once working at BPI-Family Bank in Cebu, had a get-together to celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the home of Tessie Villareal in Northridge. It was also a reunion. Driving all the way to Northridge, the guys were all excited to see their former colleagues once again. And where in the world – California pa gyud!

* * *

To all our wonderful friends, relatives and dear readers, a blessed Christmas and a fantabulous New Year, and God bless you always!