My First Thanksgiving

By Maria C. Klemack-McGraw

"Give thanks to
the Lord, for he
is good; his love
endures forever."
Psalm 107:1

arrived in the United States at the age of 13, on November 20, 1961, as an unaccompanied minor. I was part of the Pedro Pan exodus one week before my first Thanksgiving.

I was sent to a girl’s camp in Florida City. That first Thanksgiving, after going to Mass at noon, we sat in the large dining hall, gave thanks for our meal and had our first taste of cranberries and stuffing, which I had never eaten, before, in Cuba.

On this unique day of giving thanks, we prayed for the wonderful blessings we hold dear. I was thankful for the freedom of being in America, a country where everyone can strive to achieve the American dream I had heard so much about. I missed my parents very much and prayed that we soon would be reunited. Never did I lose that faith in the five long years that we were separated.

I am who I am today because of my parent’s sacrifice 48 years ago and I honor them for showing their courage and love for me, then and today. I am grateful to this wonderful country for opening its doors to us, and giving us the opportunities that it offers to all its citizens.

I hope you will celebrate Thanksgiving with some of the special people you love, and may you and your families have a blessed, safe and peaceful holiday season.