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Nothing to Be Thankful For

by Katrina L. Cassel

Caitlyn entered the house, slamming the door behind her.

What's wrong, Caitlyn?" her mom asked.

"Mrs. Kirkland gave us a Thanksgiving assignment. We have to write an essay on what we are thankful for. I'm not thankful for anything!"

"Why do you say that?"

"Every year we've gone to Grandpa and Grandma Bower's house along with Uncle Ken, Uncle Jerry, and all our cousins and Aunt Tonya. This year we can't go because Christen has to have that operation."

"Caitlyn, Christen is your little sister! She can't help having to have surgery."

"Oh, I know," Caitlyn said. "But she gets all the attention. All she does is lie in bed while Carl and I do all the work."

"I know you've had to do a lot of extra work lately, but I don't think you're being fair to Christen. It's hard for an eight-year-old to stay in bed that much."

"Thanksgiving is ruined, Mom, and I have to write a report about why I'm thankful."

"Do you remember what Paul said in Philippians 4:11? He said, 'I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me.' He wrote that verse from jail. Christen will be well soon, and things will be back to normal. We'll still have a Thanksgiving meal and spend some time together as a family without anyone hurrying to get somewhere or get something done," Mom said.

"It won't be the same."

""Maybe not, but that doesn't mean it can't be just as good. God has been good to us, and we have a lot to be thankful for."

"Like what?" Caitlyn asked.

"Our family, our home, Pastor Bob, and the church. We've always had food and clothes, and a lot of love."

"You're right," Caitlyn said. "I don't feel thankful but I'll try not to spoil it for everyone else."

On Thanksgiving Day after the meal, Caitlyn's mom said, "I've made a game for us to play."

"What kind of game, Mom? Is it something I can play too?" Christen asked.

"Yes, this game is because of you. This year, since we are at home, I thought we could get to know each other better. It's called the Bower's Family Trivia Game."

"Bower's Family Trivia?" Caitlyn asked. "What's that?"

"Everyone takes ten pieces of paper. On the front, write a question about yourself, someplace we've gone on vacation, or something we've done together. On the back, write the answer. We'll shuffle them and read one to each of you. If you answer correctly, you keep the paper. Whoever has the most at the end wins."

"That's a good idea, Mom," Carl said. "I bet I can think of some good questions."

"Me too," Christen said. "Hand me some papers, please."

After all had written their questions, they began the game.

"Christen, here's your first question, 'What is Carl's favorite food?'"

"Like that's any mystery," Christen said. "Pepperoni pizza."

"That's right," Mom said. "Carl, what is Christen's favorite subject?"

"Math."

"Wrong, Carl. It's spelling."

"Spelling, ugh," Carl said.

After all the questions were asked, Christen had won.

Caitlyn went to her room. She had missed going to her grandparents', but the game had been fun. She had learned a lot about her family, and they had laughed at some of the memories they had. She sat at her desk and began her essay.

"Are your writing your Thanksgiving essay?" her mom asked from the doorway.

"Yes, I know what I'm thankful for this year. I'm thankful for my family and being able to do things together. Playing that game made me think of things I'd forgotten—like the Christmas we all went sledding and the dog wouldn't stay off the sled, and the time we went to the lake and Carl fell in with his clothes on. I was being selfish when I grumbled about Christen's surgery. I do have a lot to be thankful for—my family and memories of special times together. Maybe next year we can play this game at Grandpa and Grandma's house and everyone can play with us."

© Katrina L. Cassel

Katrina Cassel lives in the Florida panhandle with her husband, five of their children, and an assortment of pets. She has written hundreds of stories and articles and five books.  www.katrinacassel.com

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