A Very Special "First Thanksgiving"

Once upon a time there was a seven year old girl who was very excited to be able to order something out of the school book orders.  She had many younger brothers and sisters and didn't get special things like this very often.  This gangly girl was particularly fascinated with Indians as they were studying them in school.  So, it fit that she chose "The First Thanksgiving" set to be her order.  

On the special day of it's arrival, she carefully punched out the people and accessories one by one, studying the detail in each picture.  Delicately she set the up the town next to the fireplace in the living room and played Pilgrims and Indians for hours.  

For the next 11 years she would somehow keep it safe from the clutches of 4 younger brothers, 1 younger sister, and 1 older sister.  Then she packed it away in a box and stored it during her 4 years of college. The last 13 years it has lived with her in a special place ready to be uncovered by her own children; two of them who are now the very age she was when she first set it up.

Yesterday it was lovingly unpacked, during a quiet day while the kids were at school, and set up on the mantel for her children to enjoy.  Each piece was studied and admired again by this girl.  She smiled and remembered a time when life seemed magical and anything could be possible.  

She hopes to be able to share this wonderful gift with her Grandchildren someday.  

And laughs at the irony that now, it's possible that it is an antique of her very own.

I hope everyone has a very happy weekend.  Thanks for letting me share my wonderful story with you.  And thanks for being such great friends.