White Plastic Chairs

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a Farm Thanksgiving lunch together huddled in the greenhouse on white plastic chairs, laughing and enjoying a meal together. Nothing fancy, but everything extraordinary. Our feast was roasted chicken with tomatoes, shallots, and Lacinato kale over some mashed potatoes. The pure joy of just sitting, not covered in rain gear or mud in harvest mode, but rather a peaceful moment sharing funny stories we have all experienced throughout this last season.

Our crew is mixed in culture and origin of birth, but in this moment, we all shared what I believe to be the quintessential moment of Thanksgiving, the blessing of being with those trying to make the world better in environment and spirit; adoring the families we know and the families we have created; and all the nuances good and challenging of sacrifice.

The NY Times did an incredible piece in their Food section this week titled, Thanksgiving At War 2001-2019. In this article, many essays were shared about celebrating the holiday in a conflict zone spanning 19 years in the global war on terrorism. All of the stories expressed are beautiful and heartbreaking. They convey messages of despair, hope and real gratitude, as many of us here in the states enjoy abundant health and access to clean food without war looming in constant fear.

I adored a piece written by Marine Thomas Burke. “A guy who lived next to the base came out and talked to us. Then his family starting bringing out those white plastic chairs and tables and then proceeded to feed us a feast of chicken, bread and rice. He was so happy to offer this food to the Marines that kept his family safe. One of the little girls asked me for some food. I realized that they went without eating that night. There is no way they could have known, but that day was Thanksgiving.” Iraq 2008

Giving big thanks from all of us out here on Griffin Creek on white plastic chairs—to our members, farmers, vendors and families.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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