Maya's Thanksgiving

A crisp breeze ruffled Maya's hair as she helped her grandma string cranberries for the centerpiece. Outside, the maple leaves glowed a fiery orange in the afternoon sun. Thanksgiving was Maya's favorite holiday. It wasn't just the delicious food, she enjoyed having everyone gathering together.
This year, Grandma decided to tell the story of the first Thanksgiving. Maya listened, picturing the Pilgrims and how they learned from the Native Americans, how to grow food and survive. The following autumn, they celebrated the harvest and gave thanks to each other, and had a big feast.
"So, that's why we say our thanks before we eat?" Maya asked, her eyes wide.
Grandma smiled. "Yes, honey. It's a way to be grateful for all the good things in our lives, especially the food that keeps us strong."
Maya looked at the overflowing table ? golden turkey, fluffy rolls, vibrant green beans, a pumpkin pie that smelled like cinnamon sunshine. It took a lot of work to get all that food on the table, from planting seeds to battling pesky crows.
Later, as the family raised their hands in thanks, Maya closed her eyes. She was thankful for her family, for their laughter and warmth. She was also thankful for the harvest, and the food that traveled from the farm to her plate. In that moment she looked all around, and Maya understood the true meaning of Thanksgiving.