Full Circle

 And so it comes full circle. Forty years ago--a biblical generation, no less--a single father and his two little boys, nine and five, faced their first Thanksgiving as the Iten Boys. What to do? A turkey was way too much for three and not a fam favorite anyway. We could have gone to Mom and Pops and the Lemons I suppose--I don't remember all the details, but we wanted our Thanksgiving. Or at least that's how Dad recalls it. Solution: A Duck Thanksgiving--dark meat, small but enough for three, add in all the trimmings, and a tradition was established.

So in a little house--perfect for three as well--provided almost for nothing by Aunt Janice/sister Janice--the celebration began. In a home--it will always be more than a house--on a loop on the outskirts of Traveler's Rest, South Carolina, a young father and his two little sons gave thanks for God's provision and for each other. The aroma of roast duck, potatoes and gravy, green-bean casserole, buttered corn, dressing, and croissant rolls wafted through the little home mingling with the laughter and love of the Iten Boys. And, no doubt, driving the cats insane.

Now, having moved through many places, missed on occasion, menu changes--except the duck, of course--it comes to an end as it began. Three Iten boys, in a home in the country, a menu of duck and the "fixins," the cat, conversation filled with love, and laughter--Thanksgiving at its best. Possible only by the grace of God and His provision year after year, decade after decade, through our biblical generation. To you Father we give our thanks with cheerful hearts, lovely memories, and confident grace. Thank you, Abba Father!