What Thanksgiving memory stands out in your mind? Not the one you repeat every year with turkey and dressing but the memory that is different.

My Indian heritage is special to me. When I learned how Squanto helped the Pilgrims plant corn, beans, and squash it held a special place in my heart.

One year I learned to fold Pilgrim hats at school. Of course, my brothers and I already knew how to make headbands and we had a collection of feathers. On this particular Thanksgiving, I talked my youngest brother, George, into performing a skit for all the family gathered at our house.

So we collaborated on a skit, folded hats, and made a headband. The living room chairs and sofa were our village props. We practiced several times during the week before Thanksgiving. We planned the performance after dinner while everyone was letting the feast settle.

My little brother, the extrovert, was ready. I was ready to chicken out but he had already let the cat out of the bag. The adults encouraged us with the argument that we had gone to the trouble to practice and make costumes. With butterflies in my stomach I donned my hat and George wore the feathers. We said our lines and got a rousing applause. George was proud. I was just glad it was over and I was still alive. But the audience had questions, “Where did you learn to make hats?” “How did the Pilgrims and Squanto understand each other?”

To an eight-year-old who has only heard English — “Didn’t everyone understand English?” Of course, our audience accepted our answers but that skit and the question stuck in my head. It sneaked back in every year without an answer. As a teacher, I helped my students fold hats and make headbands. We watched documentaries about Plymouth Village. But the question still gnawed at me. Squanto said, “Welcome.” Squanto conversed with the pilgrims. How?

Finally, a Scholastic Bookclub Order arrived in my teacher box with a book by Eric Metaxas, Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving. I ordered a new book for our Thanksgiving Library. As I preread the book for our class I discovered the answer to my question. I hate to spoil your idea that American history is filled with legends and fanciful tales. That Pilgrim and Pioneer’s hard work saw them through. But no, God always has a plan and sets things in motion for our good and for the good of everyone. Yes, Squanto said “Welcome.” Yes, he could speak English but I won’t tell you how. Grab a copy of Eric’s book and help your children learn to make hats and headbands. Let them write skits and perform. And when they are old and grey-headed like me they will still be passing along Thanksgiving memories and miracles.

Thanksgiving blessings, Gail Cartee