CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“How in the hell could we have forgotten that Thanksgiving is coming up?” asked Ajei. “It’s not like we don’t know it’s coming. And then we have Christmas!”
“We’re totally going to bomb this,” frowned Sophia Ann.
“No, you’re not,” said Erin walking toward the young women.
“Claudette, Marie, Camille, and all the rest of us are here to help you just like Mama Irene helped all of us the first year we were in charge. Oh, and by the way, technically she’s still in charge.
This is easier than you think. The meal is turned over to the kitchen staff.
Dylan and Casey will handle the menu. They’ll get the café to contribute to the desserts. ”
“So, what do we do?” asked Gwen. “I know clothing but I know nothing about cooking.”
“You don’t have to,” said Lauren. “You know that we always try to eat beneath the tents in the grove. You just launched your new Into the Woods collection, so use that as inspiration for a theme. Then, you just get with the kitchen staff and we’ll start to make plans.”
“Miss Ajei, ladies,” said Trevon walking toward them. “It’s about time for me to get the orders on wreaths and trees. Do y’all have a number for me?”
“Oh, shit,” muttered Kate. “I never even thought about all the work that goes into Christmas.”
“Listen to me,” said Claudette. “One wreath, one tree, per cottage and cabin unless someone wants an extra one on the porch. We did that a few times and it was pretty but a lot of work. The big house usually has more. You can decide to do less, or more. It’s in your hands.
You can make the holiday whatever you want it to be.
You can pick the theme, the menus, all of it. It will be fun. Just relax.”
“What about all the children’s events we do?” asked Ajei. “I know we do something big for the girls’ and boys’ schools, as well as the center downtown. How do we know what to do with those?”
“We’re still here,” smiled Alexandra. “We haven’t gone anywhere and neither has Mama Irene. We’re all right here to help you find your way. Don’t sweat it.”
“There’s so much to be thankful for this year,” said Sophia Ann. “Our health, happiness, prosperity, the children, the animals, and so much more. How do we adequately show our thankfulness for all that’s been given to us?”
“By celebrating it and giving back,” smiled Adele. “Just like Mama always did. We celebrate the love, good fortune, friends, and family. We remind ourselves of all that is good in this world and we give to those less fortunate.”
“You’re right,” nodded Ajei. “I’ve watched this happen for decades now.
I know what to do. We all do. Claudette?
Can you get us a list of needy families in the parish that will need food baskets?
Kate? You get with the chefs to decide on menus.
Sophia Ann and Gwen, can you get a team together and handle the tent and decorations? ”
“Of course,” they smiled.
“Jane? You and I will start working on the holiday decorations for Christmas. We’re going to do Mama Irene proud.”
“I’d be proud of ‘ya no matter what,” smirked the older woman suddenly appearing before them.
“Nothing y’all do would ever disappoint me.
You know what to do and how to do it. We got enough people here to make sure that everyone is taken care of and the food is ready.
Even if it wasn’t, even if there was no tent and no decoration, we would still be thankful as a family for what we have. ”
“I know you’re right, Grandma,” said Liz smiling at the other women.
“There was a man in the clinic the other day, an oil field worker. I made the comment that his work was difficult, dirty, and hard. He just laughed at me, shaking his head. He said, I never complain about my job because there’s always a man out there praying for it.
I never complain about my modest house because there’s a man out there struggling to provide shelter for his family.
I don’t complain about meager meals because there’s a man out there unable to provide meals for his family.
He said, I’m blessed with having exactly what I have. ”
“That’s profound,” whispered Jane.
“It is. We complain about all the stupid little things. My washing machine broke the other day and I had to wash clothes at mom and dad’s before someone could fix it.
I complained and whined about it all day.
How fortunate am I that my parents were close enough that I could use their machine and that within twenty-four hours someone fixed my machine and didn’t charge me for it.
“Even if they hadn’t fixed the machine, I am able to afford to buy a new one tomorrow. If I tear my shirt, I can buy a new one or repair this one. If I need new shoes, I can get those. We are so very fortunate, and not just with things but also with the people that surround us.”
“Amen,” smiled Grace. “Mama Irene? I would imagine that one day you’ll fill us in on how you get our young men and young women to choose the right partners. Because no one has brought home a loser. No one.”
“Well,” she grinned. “Believe it or not, much of it is luck. You can guide them, push them a bit, but if things don’t click, well then you’re right back where you started.”
“It’s going to be an epic holiday season,” smiled Ajei. “Everyone have their assignments?”
“Got ‘em!” came the chorus of cheerful voices.
“Alright then. Ladies, put on your pilgrim hats and let’s begin.”