Farmer Joe and his family were together celebrating Thanksgiving. The pleasant smell of the roasting turkey filled the air. Shrimp walked towards the house sniffing the air. She even trotted up onto the back porch and sniffed.
“What is that delicious smell?” Shrimp tried to peek in one of the windows.
Just then, Billy, the blackbird flew down and landed on the porch railing, “what cha up to Shrimp?”
Shrimp spun around, “oh, hi Billy. I was just looking to see what that lovely smell is.”
Billy sniffed the air, “oh, that’s probably turkey you smell. They are celebrating Thanksgiving.”
“Thanksgiving? What is that?” Shrimp walked up to Billy.
Before Billy could explain, Tiger walked up onto the porch sniffing the air.
“What is that delicious smell?” Tiger asked.
“Hello Tiger, I was just about to explain to Shrimp what farmer Joe and his family are celebrating,” Billy said.
Shrimp sat still and listened but Tiger sniffed and sniffed as he tried to peek into the window.
“That delicious aroma that you are probably smelling is turkey. Turkey is a big bird that humans enjoy eating. See, many humans just like farmer Joe have special days that they celebrate, and Thanksgiving is one of those days. Thanksgiving is when families join together and cook a big meal. They share what they are thankful for, such as a good crop or good health. Many are also thankful for where they live and the people they have with them,” Billy explained.
“Well, I’m thankful for my nose because that smells soo yummy,” Shrimp said.
Tiger trotted up to Shrimp, “I think I saw it and It looks delicious too.”
Billy leaned to one side and looked in the window, “yes, I think that you are right Tiger. Joe just took it out of the oven, and if you are lucky, you might get some,” Billy said.
“Really?” Shrimp hopped up and down.
“It won’t be until later though so you might as well run and play,” Billy said.
“Okay, Billy. Come on Tiger, let’s play with that ball over there,” Shrimp trotted down the steps.
Tiger sniffed the air one more time and then trotted down the steps after Shrimp.
“I’ll beat you there,” Tiger ran up next to Shrimp.
Shrimp ran and pounced on top of the ball. Tiger then pounced on top of her. The kittens played and ran around the barnyard until they got tired. They looked toward the barn and saw their mother going inside, so they ran and followed her in.
“What are you doing momma?” Shrimp asked.
“I’m going to get a drink of water my silly girl,” Momma said.
Shrimp and Tiger joined their mom in getting a drink from the big bowl. When they were done, Shrimp rubbed her head on her momma’s side.
“I’m thankful for you Momma,” Shrimp said.
“Awe, thank you, dear. I’m thankful for you both, and farmer Joe,” Momma butted her head up against Shrimp.
“Why are you thankful for farmer Joe?” Tiger asked.
“Because, he lets us live here on his farm, and supplies us with our food and water,” Momma rubbed her head on Tiger.
“Yeah, and Billy said that we might get some turkey from farmer Joe,” Shrimp hopped around her mom.
“Yes, we might,” Momma said.
Just then, the smell of turkey fragranced the air again. It was farmer Joe carrying a plate full of leftover turkey into the barn.
“Well, hello my little cat family. I’ve got some goodies for you,” Joe said.
Shrimp and Tiger ran over to farmer Joe and rubbed on his legs while he put the plate of turkey down. Momma slowly walked over, looked up at Joe, and meowed.
“You are very welcome Momma. You all enjoy,” Joe said and walked out of the barn.
Shrimp licked a piece of turkey meat first, and then started to gobble it down. Tiger gobbled a piece of turkey right away. The good smell of it won him over immediately. So, momma and her kittens enjoyed their Thanksgiving meal at the farm. Shrimp and Tiger both learned today how blessed they really are. They felt thankful to have a nice place to call home, and someone as nice as Joe to give them good food for their bellies. Momma was happy to know that her kittens truly appreciate what they have in their lives.
If you enjoyed this story, please share it with your friends. And then, join me again for another adventure with Shrimp and Tiger.