Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. As I sat at my computer contemplating my next topic – where should I take my readers this week? What would spark their interest? I suddenly realized that one of the biggest American holidays was just around the corner. Turkey Day! The day of giving thanks. Then, I decided to dedicate this one to all of you. My faithful readers and supporters. The ones that take time out of their busy schedules to enjoy and appreciate my weekly imperfect words. 

In case you have forgotten, Thanksgiving started as a celebration by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the new world, the world we all live in today. History states that the feast lasted three days and was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims. Whoa! That’s a lot of people. Hopefully, none of you have to cook for that many guests this holiday. A fun fact about the First Thanksgiving is that it actually took place in October. 

Why do we celebrate it in November? Good question. Thanksgiving was never a fixed holiday. It was on the last Thursday in November in 1863, when Abraham Lincoln observed the holiday and declared it a national holiday, and voila! The rest, as they say, is history. 

The first time I saw wild turkeys was on a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was the middle of spring in 2015. There was barely any snow on the ground and the Rockies were coming back to life. I was headed down toward the Fall River exit when I noticed that it was a rafter of turkeys crossing the road - sounds like the beginning of a very cheesy joke. Anyway, there was one Tom and a few hens. I pulled off on the shoulder and watched one of the most elaborate displays of nature I had ever seen. Chases, gobbles and movements that I can only describe as a dance, transpired in front of my very eyes. It appeared to be very magical. 

Some people believe that when you see a turkey it means that you need to channel your energy in a more balanced manner. Others believe that the turkey symbolism teaches you to evolve with the events occurring in your life. My favorite legend of the turkey is the one stating that the turkey spirit animal is a symbol of good abundance. Yes, Please!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not; in October or November, I think it’s with good intention that we gather and appreciate what we do have. I know that I am grateful for all of you. So, cheers to you, my friends! This Thanksgiving I hope you know that someone out there is thankful for you.

(Originally published in the November 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)