Thanksgiving is the holiday that is rich with traditions. Be it gathering with family, friends or neighbors, it is the holiday of community.

The Scharnweber clan, all grown and living in their own homes still come home to La Grange Park for Thanksgiving. Marcia (a.k.a. Mom) states, "If I didn't make that green bean casserole, I don't think they would come."

The 300 block of Catherine Avenue has a tradition that everyone on the block can participate in: they gather items to send to the troops—the items include chips, granola bars, Oreos, Campbell's Chunky soup, Rice Krispie treats, and magazines, to name a few. Every soldier loves to get mail and really appreciates a letter of support, of thanks, a letter from the kids on the block especially during the holiday. One neighbor has a box on her porch and gathers all of the items along with monetary donations to cover the postage.

I have the sense this year that Thanksgiving is going back to simpler ways and simpler times. Is it the economy? Or are people tired of running around and wish to enjoy the respite of the holiday day to give thanks for what they have?

That feeling of wanting to keep what is worthwhile close was affirmed when I visited Plymouth Place Senior Living, 315 N. LaGrange Road, and spoke with some of the residents.

Elaine Kennedy has lived at Plymouth Place Senior Living for a little over a year. She is very happy there and happier still that her daughter lives in the area.

"I am going to my daughter's for Thanksgiving. She lives in Western Springs. Five of the children will be there; two driving home from college and one flying in from New York. We go around the table and state what we are thankful for and it was quite funny when the children were small."

Elaine is thankful for her family and her friends and her health—and her geranium that is still blooming on her balcony!

In speaking with Dan and Raedell Pancake, the true meaning of Thanksgiving could not have been more heartfelt. Dan is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Plymouth Place Senior Living and Raedell is staying with him during his sojourn. They have five sons.

"Our greatest gift is our family. We work at it—it takes practice," states Dan. "I can honestly say that if they weren't our children, I would still love to have lunch with any one of them. We are blessed with a family that works."

This year, the tradition of Raedell cooking will change a bit: all of the Pancake boys and their wives and/or fiancés will come home to the senior Pancake's residence in Willow Springs and cook the dinner for their parents.

"We have a chef in the family and with new wives and fiancés, one from Columbia, another from Mexico; we will have a diverse Thanksgiving—at home, just as Raedell wanted. When you are a cherished mother, your children honor your wishes," Dan says.

As with Elaine, the Pancakes are very thankful for everything they have. Health, family, friends, good food prepared with love. Happy Thanksgiving and all the blessings of the season!