When our turn came, I knew better than to plan a large meal. No matter how many assurances of, "Don't bring anything, I have it all under control," I knew no one would come empty handed. Nancy's always sure to bring an appetizer or dessert, along with an excuse for going all out. Sometimes it's a simple collection of cheeses, pears, and spiced walnuts (because "I bought them at the Farmer's Market last week and I have way too much."). To our gathering, she brought her famous lemon bars (because "The girls really wanted to make them."). After Susan arrived with a spread made from cannelloni beans, sage, garlic, and olive oil, a loaf of good, crusty bread, and an armload of games for the kids, I knew we were in for another memorable evening.

As I greeted my friends, each bearing a gift from their own kitchens, I was reminded of the Children's folktale, Stone Soup. It's a story about a group of individuals who don't have enough to eat but, when they come together as a community, bring all they have to the table to create a sumptuous stew. Our friends are like that. Each of us, with our own personalities and experiences, bring joy and support to one another.

I gazed around that night, feeling lucky to have found such a warm group of friends, and remembered the gratitude wreath my family creates each year for Thanksgiving. We build a wreath of autumn leaves, each displaying a written message about what we are thankful for. Lacking a pile of leaves, I asked my guests to grab a gourd from the centerpiece, gave them each a permanent marker, and told them to write anything that came to mind. When we were through, we filled a glass vase with the gourds and placed it between us on the table. The small pumpkin on top simply said "Good Friends."

About the Author
Janell Oakes and Rondi Davis are co-authors of the award winning book, Together: Creating Family Traditions. They want to give you the most important gift you can give your family. You can be a part of an irresistible offer visit Together Creating Family Traditions.

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