There are times when occasions align in such a way that I am extremely grateful for what I have in my life. That is not to say that I am not always grateful for what I have, but there are times when these gifts are brought to the forefront. This holiday season is definitely one of those times. I understand that this post may be a little late as it has to do with Thanksgiving, but there is a point to be made in my tardiness. Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with family and friends and discuss how appreciative we are for each other and our good fortune. To be as clichéd as possible, this should not only occur for one day a year. I know that this is easier said than done, but I, for one, am going to make a more concerted effort throughout the year, and not just on a day where we are obligated to do so. I will now get down from my soap box and address what I really want to discuss.
As you know, if you are a reader of this blog, I write about my kids and what it means to be a dad. My kids are extremely special to me, even when I want to strangle them out of frustration. We have a very unique family when it comes to holidays. You see, my wife is Jewish, and I am Catholic. So, as a result, we joke that our children are Cashews. It is this amazing intermarriage that has given us ample cultural opportunities. There are some that have expressed concern about how this ‘arrangement’ may confuse the hell out of our children; in fact, we have pondered that ourselves as parents, but what has happened is really something quite amazing. What is occurring is exactly what my wife and I had hoped for when we decided to start the procreation process – our children are well-rounded, cultured offspring. This is not to say that we do not encounter times when questions arise, but it is these questions that we want…if we truly know the answer (Thank you, Google).
We celebrate Easter, Passover, Christmas, and Hanukkah, among others. I know what you are thinking, and yes, it is exhausting, but it is worth it to let them know where we all come from, which is not always the same place. It is this diversity that is preparing them for life, one Easter egg and Menorah candle at a time.
This year, Thanksgiving fell on the same day that Hanukkah began. Apparently, this does not happen all that often. I looked it up (Google). This coincidence reminded me of what I should be thankful for, and it is the fact that my children have the chance to experience both sides of their family despite their differences, and at the ages of 3 and 6, they actually understand some of it…probably better than me. I would be remiss if I did not mention the happiness that is eating latkes and turkey at the same time. And now you’re jealous; I know.
I am thankful that when we sit down for dinner, we say the traditional Catholic blessing as well as the Hamotzi, the traditional Jewish blessing, and it is the kids that lead these prayers. And yes, for some reason, Alex still insists on representing the good people of Ghana in prayer as well.
I am thankful that we light the candles of the Menorah which sits right under the stockings hung with care.
I am thankful that we make the connection of Passover and Easter so that the kids understand.
I am thankful that our kids have gone to a Jewish preschool and a Catholic elementary school.
I am thankful that my daughter that attends the Catholic elementary school was asked to speak to the class about Hanukkah, and she knew what she was talking about. Did I mention she is 6?
I am also thankful to be part of both communities that welcome us with open arms.
On my first date with my wife, I took her back to her mother’s house, and I remember looking down at the ‘Welcome’ mat and reality setting in. The mat did not say ‘welcome’ but it did say ‘Shalom’. We have had to answer a lot of questions from family, friends, and ourselves, and I am thankful that we have made the decisions that we have. All of us have benefitted from the union of our nutty little family. So, to my wife, my children, my family and friends, I say ‘Thank You’. L’Chaim.
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