Thanksgiving Without What?

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. Families and friends often join together to share food and fun. It’s a time to reflect on the year and consider all of the blessings in life.

2010 Thanksgiving is one that is sure to remain in the minds of my family for many years to come. It brought some unexpected events to our house this year.

It was an hour before our scheduled holiday meal would be served. The turkey was browning perfectly and the glaze was being prepared for the ham. Sweet potatoes, stuffing, apple pie and cranberry relish were all waiting , along with many more family favorites.

The joys of living outside the hustle and bustle of the city and in the countryside of Goochland is one of our greatest joys, and it is especially fun on Thanksgiving as the grandchildren run and play outside and we enjoy time together with extended family.

But I quickly learned that there are some things about living in the country without public utilities that can make life a little more stressful.

You’re kidding!

With everything prepared according to schedule, I could finally take some time to get myself ready for the special event and the presentation of the turkey.

But as I was dressing, something happened. A siren sounded in the back yard. It was something I had never heard before, and hope to NEVER hear again. I stepped out the back door to alert my husband that something was wrong. As he and my brother investigated the noise, they announced that we had a problem with our septic tank and that no water could be passed through any drains until it was pumped.

Pump a septic tank? On Thanksgiving? “I know you’re kidding,” I thought!

My first thoughts were, “This can’t be happening. I have 16 guests for Thanksgiving and many of them are weekend guests!”

But, it was true. The septic system had reached capacity and refused to work anymore.

So what does one do on Thanksgiving Day when this happens?

That means what?!?

In a frantic flurry of activity, I began searching the Internet and the phone directory at the same time. I dashed between the computer and the stove, keeping an eye on the turkey and desperately trying to find a 24/7 septic service.

Now, this may sound a little gross to many of you – as it was to me. But let me tell you.

A septic tank is a very important part of your day. You cannot run water in the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, the shower, the bathtub, or the toilet. You cannot do anything with water that requires it to move down the drain, through the pipes and down into the tank.

That means —- well, you know what it means!

As I continued my battle between preparing Thanksgiving foods and scouring the Internet for help with our problem, my anxiety escalated. I couldn’t decide which was more important at that moment. I could imagine my house full of holiday guests not being able to shower, wash their hands or go to the bathroom. I imagined the mounds of dishes that would pile up before our eyes as we devoured our holiday meal, with no sink or dishwasher to wash them.

And I thought about the hands to be washed – and uh, the bathrooms that were not in working order!

My anxiety escalated further.

But who but my grandchildren could put it all in perspective. “Gigi, this is so funny. Will we have to use the bathroom in the woods or get a port-a-potty?”

Trudie saves the day

After making more than half a dozen calls to “so-called 24/7 septic services” who refused to help me or didn’t even bother to take my call, I finally located the most pleasant woman you can imagine. Trudie Knight from C&W Hanover Septic in Ashland, Virginia returned my frantic call and gave me all of the reassurance that I needed. She explained that she could have someone take care of the problem within a couple of hours and we would be back in business – at least temporarily. Her empathy with my situation gave me new hope!

Returning to the chores of finalizing the Thanksgiving meal as much as possible without allowing any water to go down the drain, we were finally ready to eat. As our family stood around the table and prepared for the blessing, I murmured ,“Thank you Lord” , and everyone burst into laughter.

Within two hours, Trudie had taken care of our problem. She was definitely true to her word.

Ahhhh—a Thanksgiving to remember. It’s one that my grandchildren will be able to recount for many years to come.

Thank you Trudie – you were definitely a Thanksgiving blessing!