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Being alone on Thanksgiving is a challenge and sadly my sense is it’s becoming more and more commonplace. As an older woman gratefully living in senior housing in Belfast, I count my blessings daily, along with feeling quite lonely most days. Especially when the holidays come around.
So this year, when Thanksgiving day arrived, I widened my lens and because I’m living in a “City of Givers,” there were several options I could choose. I chose Tracy’s Diner on Main Street, as they were offering a take-out Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings, including a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
This annual offering by the Red Knights Motorcycle Club is an amazing gift of love and caring, an offering of grace for all who enter. I was overwhelmed by the goodness imbuing the diner, every face had a smile.
While waiting, I began to well up, tears filling my eyes, as the warmth and happiness called my heart and suddenly I thought I could request to be seated and stay and enjoy the camaraderie.
Then, as I was handed my boxed dinner, one of the Red Knights followed me outside. He introduced himself as Paul and thanked me for coming. I muttered “I can’t stop crying.” He said, “it’s OK to cry” and so I did. His face was open and friendly as he began to share about his life and how it has turned around over the years. It was an open-hearted, personal share about his life, a Thanksgiving story I will long remember.
Thank you Red Knights Motorcycle Club for filling my heart.
Pat Kaplan
Belfast
