Freedom from Want ~ Thanksgiving Dinner!

One of my early and lasting memories of seeing a Norman Rockwell painting was the painting he painted of an American family sitting down to their Thanksgiving dinner.  The painting is one of a series of four paintings he painted in 1943 entitled The Four Freedoms.  Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear were acclaimed as Rockwell’s “masterpieces”. 

During WWII, millions of reprints were made of these popular American images.  In Freedom from Want, Norman captured the true spirit of Thanksgiving; the excitement of the presentation of the golden brown turkey, the large table surrounded by extended family, friends and neighbors.  All the other goodies like stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, a variety of greens and cranberries are soon to follow.

 Both my parents are now gone but I remember fondly our Thanksgiving family tradition and the feast that my mom would prepare.  She was a great cook and she never ceased to amaze us by creating so many delicious dishes all for one meal.  It was always a field day for foodies like myself. 

We’re fortunate to be spending this Thanksgiving with some very good friends.  I would like to wish you all a Norman Rockwell style Thanksgiving!