As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a time to reflect on the powerful legacy of faith imparted to us by those who have come before.
Recalling childhood memories, I remember the long, cold nights spent at my grandparents’ home in the west suburbs of Cleveland, where comfort awaited beneath the weighted blankets. My grandfather, John, and grandmother, Patricia—whom I fondly refer to as Grandma and Grandpa T—had a steadfast routine that filled their home with warmth and love. Despite the chill of December, their home was a sanctuary, and I was enveloped in a deep sense of peace as I drifted into sleep, waking to the soothing morning light streaming through floral-patterned curtains.
Morning routines were a blend of simplicity and joy, filled with cereal boxes neatly lined on the counter, bowls waiting to be filled, and a green pitcher of fresh orange juice. I relished the sugary cereals my mom never allowed at home and eagerly read the comics, waiting for my grandparents to return from morning Mass and share their day with me.
Those early risings yielded special moments with Grandpa, often found enjoying his coffee and oatmeal while diving into prayers with the day’s readings. Accompanied by my grandparents, attending daily Mass felt meaningful, a testament to their unwavering faith. Their genuine connection with the community highlighted how the spirit of faith thrived in service.
Looking back, our annual visits during Christmas and summer were significant in shaping my own faith, intertwined with the teachings they passed down through generations. My family was fortunate to witness their faith-worn lives, as my grandparents exemplified the importance of communal worship, devotion, and connection to the Catholic community.
The recent passing of my grandfather, at the age of 96, reignited a flood of cherished memories, making clear the invaluable gift of time spent with him and Grandma. Their lives were a model of commitment to faith, leading by example as they prayed and dedicated themselves to their family and community, a lesson I carry with me as a parent.
My grandparents nurtured our family’s faith, encouraging my pursuits well into my college years while instilling a sense of responsibility towards our own Catholic roots. They are part of a long lineage of resilient individuals who made incredible sacrifices for their faith, leaving behind homes filled with love and devotion.
My grandmother enjoyed the serenity of her backyard, surrounded by nature, and it was in those simple moments that she expressed her love for God and family. As descendants of immigrants who overcame injustices and challenges, we are reminded of the resilience etched into our faith story.
The journey of faith continues through the generations. The support of my grandparents and their unwavering belief have inspired so many of us to hold fast to our faith, even amid the challenges posed by modern culture. A friend once likened American culture to a solvent that erodes values, but those of faith know that grace, sustained through prayer and community, soars above secular pressures.
As we gather for Thanksgiving, it is vital to remember that the most profound legacy we can give our children is the practice of faith in daily life. Quotidian holiness exhibited by grandparents and parents fosters an environment where faith can flourish. Influential thinkers like Dietrich von Hildebrand remind us that the examples of virtue presented in the lives of the faithful encourage those around us to seek holiness.
This Thanksgiving, let’s honor the legacy of our ancestors for their unwavering faith and love, ensuring that it continues to illuminate the path for future generations.