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New Day Herald

A Thanksgiving Full of Blessings at Prana

No rain, just a beautiful cool sunny day, with everyone coming Home to Prana for Thanksgiving.   Even as folks were still registering on the front porch, there were others walking the labyrinth, and many families gathering on the courtyard for hot artichoke dip and crackers.  Like the mother and grandmother I am, I looked all around and saw so many loved ones, families, couples, and others I’ve known for decades and I was already filling with love.

Rick Ojeda and Zoe Golightly were our MC’s for the day, greeting us as we stood in a great all around the pool. We proceeded in two lines into the dining room …. with the “oohs” and “aahs” as hungry eyes feasted on the dessert table first.

Chefs David Funk and Kelly Funk created an enormous feast … and of course their small army of kitchen folks merrily worked from early hours the day before Thanksgiving preparing everything.  So if you want to know what one of our fabulous Pres does behind the scenes …. it’s KP duty… he bakes luscious home made brownies!

With full plates, folks were filing out of the dining room, sitting at beautifully decorated and simply elegant tables in all the public rooms.   Loving each other, loving good food, loving filled the air along with gratitude from the get go!   Behind the scenes – Howard and Jeeni Lawrence TC’d an experienced volunteer crew who attended to every need of the diners.   Across from the fireplace was the Traveler’s table where John Morton and Leigh Taylor-Young Morton were joined by John’s son Zane. Other family at the table were Michael, Alisha & Josh Hayes, Eric & Kelly Raleigh, and Jaime King with her spouse and baby.   Everywhere I looked it was FAMILY and everyone home for Thanksgiving — giving thanks in our hearts, giving thanks for John-Roger, giving thanks for our blessed home and lives.

With full hearts and tummies, it was announced that now the dessert table was open – and – we discovered – there’s always more room for dessert!  Sigh. Grateful smiles all around as new lines formed in the the dining room.

Next, our MCs, Rick Ojeda and Zoe Golightly, began the talent and entertainment portion of the day.  Oh yes.  Of course there’s more at Thanksgiving at Prana.  We do entertain royally!  And surprises were in store for us.

First up, Zoe explained it’s also the first day of Hanukah, and introduced Carol Moskovitz, who shared how Hanukah came into being 21 centuries ago, and the miracle of the one night’s oil, that burned for 8 nights.  Hanukah means rededication to the Light.  Carol sang two of the Hebrew blessings:  The Baruch [which means Blessing] for blessing God who commanded us to light the lights of Hanukah, and a second Baruch to remember the miracles from our ancestors of days of old.   Carol then lit the Candles.

Next Rick introduced a favorite singer and new Prana resident, Clara Jaramillo, who sang acapella, “In the Arms of the Angel”.

Next Zoe introduced Jeeni Lawrence who sang a song for John-Roger, called, “I was here.  The song was full of Thanksgiving: “I lived, I loved, I was here.”

Rick then introduced Josh Hayes, whose first Thanksgiving performance was 6 years ago!  Josh jammed on his electric guitar at lightening speed.

Zoe then introduced another Prana resident, Win Hampton.  Win shared his loving and a poem dedicated to his dear friends, who travel with him … J-R and John.  “I have Found the One.”

Rick then introduced another Prana resident, Miriam Reiss, who shared her comic wit in “It’s Thanksgiving at Prana,” and really focused on Thanksgiving and Hanukah together. After explaining the miracle of the Light that burned for 8 days, Miriam let us know that actually Chef David Funk preparing a Thanksgiving Dinner for 250 people ever year is the “True Miracle.”

Back to music, Zoe introduced the wonderful voice of Prana resident Kim Guisinger.  Accompanying Kim on piano was new Prana resident, LeAnne Sharp. Then Kim sang exquisitely, “Like a Bird on a Wire.”

Rick then introduced a beautiful young lady guest, new to all of us, Meriette, who shared about herself as a Muslim and the oneness, and her gratitude touched all our hearts.

Continuing with the gratitude theme, Rick asked everyone to turn to their neighbors and what they’re really grateful about.  I turned to the dear lady sitting next to me — we’ve been heart sisters since 1976 – Saivahanni.  We just held in silence with each other – far beyond words – our Loving of God.

Rick then introduced another favorite entertainer, Barbara Wieland. Barbara explained she quested for the ultimate Thanksgiving song for her, and so playing piano, she sang an old hymn, “The Presence of Your Love, Thank you Lord.”

Zoe introduced another favorite Thanksgiving performer through the years, Sally Kirkland, who gave us a poem she wrote, dedicated to John-Roger.

Next, John Morgan played his guitar, and sang a new country song he composed, “Standing by the Open Door.” John explained it reflected decades with John-Roger into about 4 minutes ….. and he sang,

“Loving you is easy, but missing you is hard, standing by the open door,”  and some folks were now teary eyed … us old timers knew his song in our hearts.

Next Zoe introduced Stu and Jeff Semigran – who ran up dressed in their baseball shirts and hats.   Folks were in an uproar clapping and laughing at this comedy duo doing the classic “Who’s on first, What’s on second.”  And of course, Tomorrow is the pitcher, and Today is the catcher — those are all the ball players names, folks.   They delivered their lines rapid fire — I think it was one of the unexpected “hits” of the night.

Rick introduced next, Prana residents Kevin McMillan and LeAnne Sharp — as they sat at the piano, and dedicated their song to John-Roger, John Morton, and the Travelers through the Ages.  They sang a duet, “Not a day goes by, Not a blessed day, as the days go by.”  Really sweet!

Next Zoe called up Gabe Morgan who played the piano, sang and rocked the house with, “I sailed an ocean, Sail on, Sail on, Sailor.”

Even though we are filled with delight, filled tummies, full hearts, an even greater blessing comes forth. John Morton comes forward to share with us and bless us.  He reminded us about this too being the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln making the proclamation for Thanksgiving to be an official holiday of thanksgiving and prayer.  John shared further about George Washington also claiming Thanksgiving a national holiday. He shared about Valley Forge, and Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.  Then John led us in prayer with a great blessing upon all.

I know I’m thankful, filled with gratitude, and the Grace of God is entirely present.  May you all be blessed in this season of gratitude and Christ.

Love & Light,
Marjorie Eaton

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