Earlier this week I was watching "Mayflower: The Untold Story" on the History Channel. It depicts the issues and events that led up to the emigration of the Leyden Separatists (Pilgrims) from England and their first year in the New World. A very engaging dramatization.

Yesterday, apropos of the American holiday, my brother, the family geneologist, sent us all a link to our family tree on Rootsweb.com and directed our attention down my mother's side of the tree to my 9th great- grand-father, William Brewster, born 24 Jan 1560 in Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England, died 16 Apr 1644 in Plymouth Colony, Massachusetts, emigrated 16 Dec 1620 on the Mayflower.

John Robinson, the primary spiritual leader of the Pilgrims, stayed behind in Holland (where they had taken refuge from King James I's wrath) to care for the majority who remained behind until the colony was established. He appointed William Brewster to be spiritual leader of the Mayflower passengers.

It's been decades since I have done anything with Thanksgiving other than eat. So this year I watch this show, and the next day find this out. Tomorrow I will drink to Grandad William and Grandmother Mary Wentworth Love Brewster.