Something to be truly thankful for

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

Thank you, one and all, for the texts and calls. I wasn’t feeling well last week and couldn’t write my column. I didn’t have COVID-19. I had that before there were vaccines for it. For me, COVID-19 was no big deal. On my worst day I was raking leaves in my backyard. I know that for some people it is a big deal, and they get very sick. I quarantined for three weeks. I don’t know if people still do that now. Guidelines were different two years ago.

The cold I recently caught really made me sick. I couldn’t do anything but cough and sleep. Usually, colds are no big deal for me, but this one really did me in. At least I won’t be getting that particular strain of cold again, thanks to the natural immunities I now have.

Peggy Zabicki

I had been planning on hosting a Thanksgiving meal for about 15 people. I had to cancel at the last minute. I already had a turkey thawing in the fridge, but I didn’t have the strength to prepare it.

My hubby, Roman, my son, Joe, and my adopted son, Henry, stepped up to the challenge. The three of them cooked it and also made some side dishes. Every now and then one of them would leave the kitchen and ask for my advice about cooking times, etc.

I listened to their conversations and laughs from the kitchen, as well as the sounds of pots and pans being pulled from a cabinet. I watched as Roman set the dining room table. At one point he carried in several serving bowls of food. After setting those on the table, he took some pull-apart rolls out from under his arm and tossed those on each plate, as though dealing from a deck of cards.

It was the first time in 45 years that I wasn’t able to cook. It was the first time I didn’t wash a mountain of dishes. I even got my appetite back and everything tasted great. I looked at my three guys and felt more thankful than I’ve ever felt. It was the best Thanksgiving ever.

Now I look forward to Christmas celebrations. Much to be done, but I realize that I may not be able to do it all. That’s OK. The celebration of the Miracle will still happen all over the world.

As always, West Lawn is buzzing with holiday activities. Right on time for Christmas shopping, St. Mary Star of the Sea School is having a Christmas market at the school, 6435 S. Kilbourn, on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be more than 25 vendors selling their crafts, gift items, baked goods and more. Admission is free. If you’d like to contribute to their toy drive, bring a new toy to donate. Call (773) 899-2897 for more information.

The Midway Baseball and Softball Association is planning on having their Christmas party again this year. Santa will once again be there for all the children in the neighborhood. I’ll share more information about that in my next column. In the meantime, Midway Baseball is collecting new toys for the event. If you would like to donate, please reach out to Elsa at (773) 575-9361 or send an email to midwaybaseballsoftball@gmail.com.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., will be presenting a concert featuring The Silver-Rose Duo playing music for flute and guitar. This event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy the music and meet friends and neighbors. Registration is required. Call (312) 747-7381.

On Saturday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the library will host a Christmas craft celebration. There will be hands-on craft making, a gift wrapping station, photo booth, games and snacks. Call the library by Dec. 16 to register for this family fun event.

The Calvary Lutheran Church Senior Club would like to wish Jenny C. and Katherine Z. very happy December birthdays. May the dear Lord bless both dear ladies on their birthdays and all through the coming year.