Memphians Recount Holiday Memories

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - They sing the song "Ain't it sweet, we'll be together....."

For 35 years the Watson Singers have provided the kind of uplifting vocal harmonies which typify family togetherness and their abiding faith. But, as they performed for the 15th time at the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis on Thursday, they had a reason to be a little more joyful than when they took the stage at last year's event.

Angela Watson remembers, "My sister has breast cancer and wasn't able to be with us and share the Thanksgiving that we were so used to for so many years. I thank God that she's here and back in full force and in remission and we just love her and I'm just so excited not only for her, but for God's grace and mercy. Cause I know that he certainly has kept us!"

The Watsons' reunion led us to think why is it that so many memorable moments in our lives seem predominately to be associated with other holidays, like Christmas. On a day when you load yourself down with food and drink, you can't manage to squeeze in a little slice of sentimentality?

So, we intrepidly went after answers to the question, "What has been your most memorable Thanksgiving Day?"

Memphis Councilman, Edmund Ford Jr. related, "In '85, that's when my grandmother and my grandfather and Uncle James were still living. We were able to congregate together on my mother's side and my father's side to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We thanked God and we thanked him for getting us together."

Councilwoman Wanda Halbert noted, "This is the first Thanksgiving that my mother is not home. She had an emergency with one of her sisters in New York and we had to get her out at the last minute. So, it'll be the first Thanksgiving that my mother is not here. So, Happy Thanksgiving to you Mom!"

Also on the more recent side was Catholic Diocese Deacon, Bill Nourse, who looked around the Convention Center and observed, "The first time I came here to do this four or five years ago, the outpouring of love and grace and service that we received from people here that prepare the food and it's just a joy to be here today."

See? Now that wasn't so hard was it? Meanwhile, for cancer survivor, Regina Watson, the joy of just being back on stage with her family was all about being thankful.

Watson gushed, "I appreciate them thinking about me. I was at home. They had my prayers and I appreciate it. This is so special. I appreciate it, to be back singing. They all asked me to come today and I'm gonna take advantage of it."

The music plays "Ain't it sweet, we'll be together...."

And it doesn't get much sweeter than that for a Turkey Day memory.