January 2025

A VILLAGE THANKSGIVING DAY GATHERING

By Anne Regan-Smith
Posted: 12/19/2024

Because BJ Ledyard welcomed her eleven guests into her home on Thanksgiving Day with such gracious hospitality, she made possible the sharing of stories, laughing at jokes, reminiscing over things past and enjoying a great meal together. The abundance of food items was amazing. To describe their tastiness as a party for the palate would be a weak understatement.

This was not the first time Pasadena Villager organized such a pot-luck Thanksgiving meal, nor will it be the last. It seems several Villagers “ain’t got no place to go” on this quintessential family holiday so the traditions began. Gary and I look forward to hosting next year’s Thanksgiving Day event.

Although a number of guests were unacquainted at the beginning, after several hours, a notable change was evident. Each of us felt connected, appreciated and happy to be in the presence of “charming gardeners,” instead of feeling alone and distant from family and old friends.

What made me feel grateful on this day was the same connection and acceptance that I feel at almost every gathering of Pasadena Villagers. What a gift!