Inspiring Women Magazine November 2023

feature
In My Own Words -
Thanksgiving for Four
Jonelle Lemcke grew up in France
and Germany as an army brat. A
teenager upon her family’s return
to the US, she and her family were
posted to the Midwest and the
East Coast. Discovering and
interpreting European and
regional US customs became a
lifelong passion and a basis for her
current work as a Certified Tourist
Guide in Denmark. She describes it
as, "the best job in the world where
every day is different and I get to
utilize all of my interests."
Jonelle Lemcke
2020 was an unprecedented Thanksgiving.
All of our Thanksgiving routines and
traditions had to be modified in light of
the public health crisis. Not the least of was
that after which we were advised to limit our
Thanksgiving dinners to very small gathering.
In this light, I wrote this document entitled,
"Thanksgiving for Four."
Turkey and all
the trimmings
For Americans, Thanksgiving
is about communion. It is the
joining of family, friends,
neighbors and communities
who share a common mythology and communal
history – all of which makes Thanksgiving a
“local” celebration. Local football rivalries are
played out. Local specialties are on display
and eaten. LIfetimes of shared memories with
family and friends inform our sense of what
Thanksgiving means. Thanksgiving is about
kindness and the willingness to share. A sense
of community and reaching out to help others
to survive. Gratitude for what we have received.
There are songs of the season and musical
traditions. For me, it is memories of the
infamous “school play” that kicked off the
holiday season.
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