A Story of Thanksgiving

Susanna White was pregnant with her second child when she boarded the Mayflower and left for the new land. Her son Resolved was just 5 years old. She came with her husband William, hoping for religious freedom. They left England on September 9th, 1620 and arrived on November 11th, 1620. After two months on the ocean they anchored off the tip of Cape Cod and Susanna had her baby there. He was named Peregrine, which means wanderer. They then came across the bay to what would be known as Plimouth (Plymouth), Massachusetts. That first winter was very difficult and William died, leaving Susanna a widow with two small children.

The thing that amazes me the most about this story is, how brave these people were. I have trouble leaving home for a trip, I can't imagine leaving home for good. They really didn't know what was next. The courage they had, crossing the ocean, then landing in a foreign land with no idea what was going to happen when they arrived, if they arrived, is awe-inspiring. Add on top of that, the fact that Susanna was expecting a child makes me love and admire her more.

In the spring Susanna married Edward Winslow whose wife had passed away that first winter also. It was a blessing that they could have each other to go through life with, after such a tough time. What amazing people they were. That next November was when the "First Thanksgiving" took place, and I'm sure they were thankful to be alive in a new land.

I am most grateful for all of those who made this life better for all of us. Their stories alone bless my life. If they can do what they did, make the sacrifices that they made, go through the trials that they went through, and still come out of it and live a full life, I can too. But it's not just the stories, it's that I have the freedom, the rights and privileges that I have, because of others who paved the way for me to have them. I love them!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

From this moment on, I want to encourage you to

receive all things with thankfulness and your life will be blessed.