Once Upon a Time, I Hated Thanksgiving

My grandma was my hero every Thanksgiving.

Growing up, I was an extremely finicky eater. I would not eat chicken, beef or fish. Vegetables? Forget it. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes and gravy - it was a yearly barrage of family “encouragement” to try different foods. I vividly remember my parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents hiding various foods inside dinner rolls and passing them to me. Have you ever tricked a child into eating a green bean in a dinner roll? Now that I’m a parent, I sympathize with the frustration I put my family through year after year. 

Eventually, my grandma would feel sorry for me and make me a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.  It was delicious, a special gesture and it lifted my spirits.  She always saved me and saved my Thanksgiving. She was my Thanksgiving hero.

When I was ten, my mother surprised me by signing me up for a week-long summer camp in the mountains. I begged her not to make me go; I even cried a little. Why did I not want to go? I was afraid of the food.  I pleaded my case for potential starvation, but she made me go anyway.  To help ease my mind, she promised to pack a large supply of food I was sure to enjoy. So there I was, a week later, with a tiny duffle bag of clothes and an awkwardly large suitcase full of food.  I was ready.

On the very first day, I returned to my cabin to find a small infestation of squirrels devouring my private reserve.  I was instantly panic-stricken and wondered how I would survive the week. That night, in the dining hall, my worst-case scenario came true.  It was a scene from my worst nightmare, every possible Thanksgiving food you can imagine, every flavor I despised had been combined into a summer camp favorite – turkey and vegetable stew.

I had a tough choice to make. Should I have the camp director call my mom to come pick me up? Should I begin the fifty mile walk back home? As I sat contemplating my survival, I became pretty hungry, so I reluctantly took a bite of the stew.  To my surprise, I kind of liked it and more importantly it changed me. Ten years old. Summer camp.  I was changed.  From that moment forward, I decided to try every type of food that was served at every meal for the rest of the week.  I did not like everything, but I learned I liked a lot of things.  I had been missing the courage to try and the willingness to suffer a moment of uncertainty for perhaps a life changing discovery.

Since then, I have survived many “the squirrels ate my food” moments and I know I will survive many more, however my greatest experiences and my most cherished successes were realized when I let go of a rigid perspective and “tried the stew.”

Thanksgiving is now one of my favorite days of the year.  I enjoy almost all the food and I love the dedicated, intentional time with my family.  Of course, I’m also very thankful for my grandma. She taught me empathy and compassion and I sure did love those grilled cheeses.

On this year’s Thanksgiving, I am grateful for those who pioneered the way for the freedoms, liberties and opportunities we have today. I am grateful for my family and friends who inspire me every day. I am grateful to be part of a vision-lead, purpose-driven and values-based organization dedicated to helping people reach for and realize their vision. And, I am grateful to work with nearly 7,000 Slalom team members around the world who are making things better by positively impacting lives today and ultimately those of generations to come. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. When you are faced with the opportunity, I hope you decide to try the stew.

Brad