After the Thanksgiving Meal
Today, Thanksgiving, my wife and I went to my son and his family’s home near Pulaski, WI. My daughter-in-law had invited her parents, her sisters and their families as well as her aunt and cousin. On their mother’s side, my grandchildren, Graf Kids, are three of eleven cousins, ranging in age from 1 year old to 16. We watched the Green Bay Packer football game, played with the many dogs, including six puppies, of the various families and, and of course, enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal of Turkey and all the trimmings.
After the meal it was time to rest. Two year old Charlemagne found a good resting spot with his grandfather. Than it was pictures time for Grandma Diane and Grandpa Terry and their eleven grandchildren. I was the honorary photographer.
Reflecting on the way home with my wife my thoughts turned to our own family life. When I was talking with her about some of my recent writings my wife asked what I was going to write about next. My response was “Swadeshi”, the Gandhian term for the use and service of our immediate surroundings, at home, over those more remote or distant. The principle can apply to politics, religion, economics and all aspects of lives.
I have been thinking about this term a lot recently in terms of politics. For example, how can we expect to stop the war in Afghanistan when we cannot even stop the teaching of “principles of war” and “reflexive killing” at a local Catholic university?
However, the reason this term can to my mind probably because of the at-home celebration of thanksgiving today with all the children, dogs, adults and good food. This family get-together of my daughter-in-law’s family and us, who feel part of it, was a simple, fun event. Who needs video games, travel to exotic places and lots of money to enjoy life when you have family at home together? More on “Swadeshi” to come. For now Swadeshi is Thanksgiving at home.
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