Thanksgiving 2003: a truly memorable and ‘thank-filled’ holiday

There was no turkey – and many family members were missing – but Thanksgiving Day 2003 was uniquely uplifting, providing a true picture of what the holiday is supposed to be about.

Jack Chaudier Gaffney made his grand entrance into the world at 12:37 p.m., Thanksgiving Eve day - meaning Turkey Day was spent at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey capturing the first images of Jack meeting his ‘big sister’, Ella, while he rested comfortably in the arms of his parents, Aaron and Karrie Gaffney.

The old adage of a picture saying more than words certainly applies – thankfulness and love shine on these faces in the family portrait; the essence of Thanksgiving come alive.

Since his sister had arrived nearly six weeks early back in March 2002, I had been anticipating a telephone call for the past month or so that would mandate a speedy trip north to the Gaffney home in Charlevoix. Jack’s timetable was different than his sister’s, however. He was in no hurry to vacate the warm, cushy environment provided by his mom, preferring to grow at a steady pace – to a size beyond what the doctors felt Karrie could safely deliver.

The decision for a Caesarian section was not the preferred birth choice for Jack’s parents but it was a wise course of action, allowing for all 8 pounds 11 ounces and 20.25 inches to exit mom unharmed and with relative ease – at least from the perspective of the non-participatory grandparents.

We knew from the onset that he had a healthy set of lungs – Jack let everyone know how he felt about the whole deal – but, since mom and dad had opted several months ago not to confirm whether their new baby was a boy or girl the band of grandparents who huddled in the hallway near the door had no clue if the wails were being produced by a he or a she.

Jack’s name was an equally big mystery, as was his sister’s prior to her birth. No one knew Ella was an ‘Ella’ until her dad came and told us then near the same spot where we had waited – impatiently – now 20 months later.

Even the doctors got in on the ‘secret name/gender game.’ When one left the room – where the baby in question was testing his lungs – he approached us with a sly smile, saying, "You’re waiting for the Gaffney baby? It’s a really cute kid."

For a second, I thought we might have to physically restrain Grandpa Joe Chaudier – he and Grandma Doris were pretty intent on getting information about their daughter and new grandchild. It’s not a good idea to mess with U.P. dwellers – especially from L’anse.

Eventually, Aaron decided to disperse the news that the baby was a he – and that the he was named Jack. There was no holding Doris back this time – she gave her son-in-law a huge hug with tears brimming in her eyes. Aaron’s father, Dave Gaffney, simply shook his son’s hand – no words required.

The choice of name really was not that big of a surprise. Jack carries the name of a paternal great-grandfather John "Jack" Gaffney, who passed away in December 1986. High school sports buffs will recall Jack Gaffney’s Class C state title as coach of the Houghton Gremlin boys basketball team back in 1954-55, and the winning athletic program he built in that U.P. town. He will be inducted posthumously into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame this coming spring – perhaps with his new great-grandson in attendance.

For the time being, little Jack is enjoying life in Charlevoix where he will most certainly spend time on the beaches of Lake Michigan – viewing many, many beautiful sunsets with his family – and, at some point even celebrate his birthday on Thanksgiving Day itself when the calendar is just right. That will be a wonderful way to give thanks.

Since Jack is grandchild #4 – preceded by his cousins, Gwendolyn and Caleb Gaffney, and sister, Ella – there was some concern expressed by his parents about whether or not I would be able to write "one more baby column." After all, how many times do readers really want to hear about my family experiences?

As often as I care to write about them, apparently – since family-related columns continue to draw the most comments from readers of this space. In a very real way, that makes perfect sense – we are a community of families, and as such, my family is no different from any other in Clinton County and beyond.

Each of us is just a small part of a bigger whole – that’s how it works.