tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11253084.post116347829367907014..comments2023-09-01T04:20:51.457-07:00Comments on The Ripple Effect: Ripple Connection Question of The Week ContestSteve Harperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09702246071503789077noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11253084.post-1163991230850589042006-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:002006-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00In 1964 while living in Fort William (now Thunderb...In 1964 while living in Fort William (now Thunderbay), Ontario, Canada my father took us to the home of a good friend, a large, jovial Frenchman. His warmth was infectious as he busseled about his kitchen. I was 8 years old and I still recall how incredibly special that day felt in total.<BR/><BR/>There were pots steaming on the oven, his children running about as if at some grand party, and I sat on a stool near a large butcher block gazing at food and greens everywhere. He would wonder over with this HUGE grin from time to time and say, "try this", and something magical would be in a ladle or spoon to sample -- it would always be juicy and tasty. And most of all everything tasted like it had a bit of honey in it.<BR/><BR/>The table that evening seemed to be a giant mound of everything I could ever want to eat. Candle light, large brown bowls and dishes brimming over and a feast only an arms reach away from everyone at the table.<BR/><BR/>Most of all I remember the Frenchman. I don't know if I've ever felt such happiness glowing from another person. He was everywhere and everything. A laugh, a question, another laugh as if everyone near him could not be more amusing.<BR/><BR/>My final thought... if it had been Christmas I would have sworn that he was Santa Claus. Instead, he is a wonderful memory of how magical a gathering of friends at Thanksgiving can be for an eight year old.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11253084.post-1163879562802032212006-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:002006-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00This is a great idea! I look forward to sharing m...This is a great idea! I look forward to sharing my story with you. I am going to email it as this look likes it might be too small a box to do my memory justice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com