Member-only story
Letters From Senegal #56
Peace.
It’s Still A Good Idea
6.03.94
A letter to my aunt and uncle reminiscing about Thanksgiving. I was alone in Africa, in a village where no one celebrated Thanksgiving or knew of the significance to me, and my family. I felt lonely then, although by the words in the letter, I was feeling better.
“Pete & Omie,
Thanks so much for calling the other day. It was great to hear from you! I hope it’s a little hot there, cause it’s burning up here 110°. Somedays I just don’t want to move, and the good part is I don’t have to.My mood has cheered up, and my homesickness has passed, although I still miss everyone very much. Thanksgiving was hard for me — as I always enjoy it so much at home. This year I am going to try and call mom on that day.
Sorry Pete! This time the present is for Omie. Women are just easier to buy for!!
I miss y’all very much & thanks for being so suportive. Say hi to everyone.
Jenny”
I’m having a hard time believing that I wrote that letter 32 years ago. It’s like it was me, but a distant me. I was childish or maybe childlike, learning to grow up in a far away place, thinking that Thanksgiving was the important thing.
