Another year, another day devoted to giving thanks. What I am most grateful for this year is relief—a chance for my charges to rest from their hurts and pains.
Pamela spent the holiday with her family, which at another time might have been a source of pain in itself. Now, however, after all the struggle with Daniel and finding a new place, the old tensions between herself and her mother felt easy and familiar. It is sad that one should find comfort in such a thing, but I am glad for any rest that she may find. And it was a real blessing for her to spend time with her brothers, whose innocent and sincere love for her was balm for her spirit.
She did tell her stepfather everything. He was angry and hurt for her, which also gave her consolation, and he told her that he thought she had done the right thing. His approval, and the simple act of confiding in him, left her feeling cleansed and lighter than she has for days. I hope that this may be a foundation on which she can begin to rebuild her strength.
Myrtle and Jaquinn drove down to spend a few days with her father, and they were both glad to learn that Darron and his girlfriend Sarah were also expected. The news of Myrtle’s application to Jacob’s Pillow was received with joy, but what made her most happy in the course of the weekend was being able to see her father and brother close the distance that has been between them for years. A woman in possession of a dream and a family, as well as a companion who will go wherever she goes—what more could an angel wish for a charge?
Lauren went home to Connecticut to visit with her parents and her sisters. She kept in touch with Jonathan, who was back in Standish. He was under the impression that his mother was angry with him for not coming to see them, even though he has plans to do so for a week during Christmas. However, Felicity must not have been too upset, with either Jonathan or Lauren, for yesterday both of them received care packages of fruit and baked goods. Lauren’s contained a note that apologized for Felicity’s nosy phone call and extended a standing invitation to her to call or visit Felicity whenever she wished. It warmed Lauren to her considerably, and eased some of the fears she had about putting herself in this woman’s line of fire.
Shannon also went home to visit with her parents, and while she has been there has kept herself busy enough not to miss Mark—very much. But every evening she has called him, sometimes talking for only a few minutes, sometimes for close to an hour. She is becoming quite attached, which is a good thing, because when one cares for and admires someone, one aspires to gain their admiration, as well.
Mary’s mother did not have the time or the funds to put together a large meal for her children, but I had the happy thought of inspiring Mary to do the cooking herself. So she did, stirring a pot with two cans of chicken noodle soup and checking the store-bought bread in the oven almost every two minutes, while her mother sat in an armchair and received a mediocre massage from her sons. Mrs. Wimmer deemed it the best Thanksgiving they have ever had. Mary went to bed with a warmth burning in her chest that I wish she could always feel.
Brooke, who just arrived in New York for a few days off, got right off her train from Philadelphia and onto another with Morgan, and they headed out to her parents’ home. Samuel and Serena were as welcoming as if they had never disapproved of the young couple, and the whole family looks forward to a good visit over the next few days. Through it all, Brooke cannot help but think of the incident with Erin—she has been wondering whether or not to tell Morgan about it. I have been wondering this, too, and I mean to seek advice when I can, but for now I have encouraged Brooke to let it be. If there is to be a time for the truth to come out, it will not be now. Now is for giving thanks, and taking rest, and being happy with those who are so loved.
I wish that for you. I wish that for us all, this Thanksgiving day.