It didn’t matter which direction I looked, I saw amber, fiery orange and brilliant red leaves swaying in the breeze. The view takes my breath away and I inhale deeply filling my lungs with the smell of fall. As I stand in the middle of the field on top of Harrison Mountain, I’m reminded of God’s beautiful creation, and I’m thankful.
I praise Him for the different seasons because this way we don’t take them for granted. Each brings something special. Fall brings Thanksgiving, and it was always an important time of year in the Harrison household. My parents instilled in us to have a thankful heart.
I have many special memories growing up of our family celebrating. I believe the most memorable were the times we spent Thanksgiving at the cottage on Harrison Mountain. It has been and still is a favourite spot for my family. Our parents built the cottage where my dad’s house used to sit. It’s a place where we’ve laughed and cried throughout the years.
Four years ago, our family was able to celebrate one final Thanksgiving with Mom (Dad had passed away seven years before this) on Harrison Mountain. It was just after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, so our hearts were heavy with the journey we knew was ahead of us, but we still thanked God for being together. The smell of turkey roasting in the oven and the wood burning in the stove filled the air of our small cottage. The birds were singing outside and the leaves were in their full fall splendour. Life was peaceful, even during the storm.
Today on Thanksgiving Monday, I think back to that day and tears fill my eyes. I’m thankful we were able to spend that special time together. I also remember the words Mom said to us continually during her journey. God is good…ALL the time. Another strong stitch in her legacy quilt. Woven in a time of hardship, but still visible.
I’m grateful for a mom and dad who taught me to be thankful, no matter what. Today, I thank God for my wonderful husband and family. They are my Thanksgiving Treasures.
Papa’s Harrison Mountain
By Jeff & Darlene Turner (October 13, 1998)
Do you want to go to a place so peaceful?
Where the birds are singing in the trees
And the wind still blows a beautiful breeze
Up on Harrison Mountain every day.
Lord we thank You for this tranquil ground
Where we feel Your love is all around.
Take us back to where we want to be
To a land where we feel so free.
You will find the moon and stars above
Shining down on the mountain with His love.
Precious family memories are all around
Up on Harrison Mountain every day.
Beautiful story…beautiful poem…beautiful picture…beautiful friend. (((hugs)))
The beauty of Harrison Mountain and the peace you experienced there is exceeded only by the love you shared there with your loved ones. You are blessed with these precious memories.
Dar: You are blessed to have such beautiful memories of your time at Harrison Mountain with your loved ones. It sounds like a beautiful and peaceful place.
Thanks for writing about such an incredible memory we have. I am so thankful we spent that last Thanksgiving with Grammie at the cottage.
We had Thanksgiving there this Saturday. The colors weren’t at their peak brilliance, but the memories were. The two Thanksgiving dinners we had in that special spot known as “the cottage” were the last we had there with Mom and they are wonderful memories to pile onto the multitude of the others. I see them both there…in everything I look on Harrison Mountain.
Thanks Dad and Mom for the memories…I miss you both! Murray