“Over The River and Through The Wood” Inspiration for 2020
Posted by: West Georgia Eye Care Center in Frontpage Article on November 25, 2020
This year, traditional Thanksgiving gatherings and travels “Over the River and Through the Wood” may be curtailed due to the pandemic. Visits “to Grandfather’s house*” may be virtual this year. Conditions now exist that Lydia Maria Child (the author of the famous lyrics) could not have imagined during her life at the turn of the 19th century. Originally a poem, the Thanksgiving song describes an idyllic holiday filled with anticipation and a loving Grandmother who proclaims “pie for everyone”!
Difficult Times –
While the poem extolls the perfect holiday, the author was actually very much aware of the imperfections around her. She was an American abolitionist, wrote prolifically in opposition to slavery, and served on the American Anti-Slavery Society executive board. Her writing and publishing efforts also benefited other marginalized people groups, and she was celebrated as a Native American rights activist and women’s rights activist. She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2007.
Best Approach –
Written in the midst of such controversy, the iconic poem mentions nothing of troubles except “how the wind does blow”. Perhaps that is the best way to approach Thanksgiving 2020; not solely focused on the concerns of pandemic and societal issues, but thankful for our blessings. We hope that all can come together in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, giving heartfelt thanks to the Creator for our blessings, and hopeful for a better tomorrow.
Thanksgiving Wishes –
West Georgia Eye Care Center wishes you the best Thanksgiving possible, and we hope for “pie for everyone”!
*The original poem has “Grandfather’s house” though most songs now say “Grandmother’s house”.
