Thanksgiving is here again. For many, it will be their first celebration with a vacant place at the dinner table. For some of us who lost a cherished loved one to COVID-19, it might be the sixth such Thanksgiving. That’s the case for me, another celebration without my partner, Jody.

I remember that when Thanksgiving 2020 approached, there was a lull in the ongoing global pandemic that led many Americans to head home for traditional family gatherings, if only as a respite from the isolation they had been experiencing throughout the year.

At that time, there was an effort called “The Empty Chair” which served to remind people in the U. S. that many would be filled with a sense of grief at their holiday celebrations. I remember during dinner at my sister’s home we continued to set a place for Jody at the table. It was intended to remind us of his absence. As we shared our meal, that solitary plate provoked memories of Thanksgivings past with Jody as we shared our favorite Jody stories.

In recent years, we have continued to remember Jody as we enjoy our family time together. A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a clip of an old Bob Hope holiday program. Hope always ended his shows with his trademark song, “Thanks for the Memory.” It made me realize that while the dish on the table may be empty, the chair is full of memories of a life well lived.

And so, I share a snippet of the lyrics from the conclusion of the song to keep in your heart as you celebrate this Thanksgiving.

Strictly entre nous,
Darling, how are you?
And how are all
Those little dreams
That never did come true?
Awfully glad I met you,
Cheerio and toodle-loo
Thank you,
Thank you so much.

Thanks for the memory (1938)
 Ralph Rainger (composer)
 Leo Robin (lyricist)