Many years ago, I asked an American in China to name a meaningful American holiday besides the Fourth of July. “Thanksgiving,” he answered without hesitation. He told me that the first pilgrim settlers dedicated this day to giving thanks to the indigenous peoples who had helped them to build new lives in this new land. “Besides,” he said, “a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a stuffed turkey, corn bread, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce is just about as American as can be.”
What is a turkey? I wondered. I grew curious about this mysterious bird that I had never heard of so I looked it up in my English-Chinese dictionary. “Fire chicken,” it said. I envisioned a turkey to be a bright red chicken, as red as fire. Red is a lucky color, I thought with my Chinese mindset. No wonder Americans eat turkeys for this special holiday.
In 1989 I came to America and had my first Thanksgiving. I liked the turkey although I was disappointed to find that my “fire chicken” was not red. Since then, I learned to prepare my own turkey dinner, including chestnut stuffing and homemade pumpkin pie. I savor the American dream of having my own house, car, a loving husband, two children and a dog. I give thanks to the United States of America, its rich wealth in which I share, and the freedom and democracy of which I am a part.
Despite all our blessings, holiday celebrations have always been extra hard for those Americans in financial difficulty. This year, with grocery prices soaring through the roof, some families may not be able to afford a grand turkey feast. Millions will eat their Thanksgiving dinner while worrying about how to take care of their ballooning health insurance premiums next year.
When I was growing up in China, I lived through extreme poverty and so I understand how it feels to survive in freezing weather without heat and food. I know that having to choose between food and life-saving medicine is terrifying, especially for those who suffer health issues.
Americans have gone through many tough times – and prevailed – since our ancestors first landed on these shores, whether on the Mayflower, a nameless freighter, or an airplane. Thanksgiving is a perfect time for those doing well to think about others who are struggling. And I pray that our government of the people, by the people, and for the people will find a way to take care of the basic needs of its citizens. We will keep our chins up and our hopes strong.
Although turkeys turned out not to have the fiery-red feathers I believed they did, they are still my lucky birds. I have faith that these “fire chickens” and all the Thanksgivings ahead will bring lots of luck to America’s families and remind them to carry on the pioneering spirit that has made – and kept – the United States strong.
