My family gathers for Thanksgiving every year. I live with both of my parents, two brothers and a sister. But somehow six people for Thanksgiving just isn't enough for my Mom. Every year at Thanksgiving our home is opened to a variety of people __ old people, young people, grouchy middle-aged people and twenty-something know-it-alls. And all of these people are related to me! Yes, i know every one of them, most of them were there when I was born. I was in their weddings, attended their high school graduations and I have fought every last one of them for the turkey drumstick. Sometimes I even win!
I am required to rise at 6:00 a.m. every fourth Thursday of November to cook the turkey. We used to have the Thanksgiving meal at Nana and Papa's house until Mom got the great idea to have it at ours. Everyone that comes contributes with food offerings so all my family is left to do is cook the turkey and make the gravy. My Uncle Bob's family is unable to come this year. His wife, Christy, makes the most delicious rice dish. I will really miss the rice.
Somehow my mother has gotten away with never cooking a turkey -- her mom always cooked the bird and Mom decided that this great honor should probably skip a generation....hers, and go directly to me. Now we know that given the present technology with Butterballs these days, there is really not much to cooking a turkey. That is if it can fit into your oven and it has been purchased soon enough to allow for proper defrosting in the refrigerator. Yes, each of these requirements have been overlooked one year or another. Yet, year after year, MY turkey graces the table for everyone to admire and quickly devour. My mother often gives me areas in which I can easily succeed. Next year, I just may be ready for the gravy.
After the noontime meal, everyone complains about eating too much. Though we are all thankful for the bounty that is set before us, we feel compelled to proclaim that it will be days, maybe even weeks, before any of us will need to take another bite. funny how a mere four or five hours later these same people will be wondering out loud when someone will be warming the leftovers for one last bite before they have to get on the road. Our next gathering will be at Christmas, this time at Nana and Papa's house with basically the same menu only this time the responsibility for cooking the turkey will be on someone else. I will make myself available for cooking tips whenever needed.
Family gatherings with my extended family are always fun. I wouldn't exactly call our family dysfunctional -- normal is such a relative term. We not only get together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also, Easter, Fourth of July and just about anytime there is a full moon. We probably see far too much of each other. The stories my mom and her brothers tell are spooky --do I really want to know that much about her childhood? The answer is yes. I gain great insight on how she became the woman she is by witnessing the love given to her by her family, the mischievousness of her two older brothers, growing up as a twin and being cheated out of being the baby of the family by a younger sister. When they start in on the old family lumber business stories, I usually take a break for another piece of pumpkin pie and hurry back just in time to hear a really good story about my mom. A new one, one I hadn't heard before. Most of the stories are all old, told many, many times, in many, many different ways. Depends on who is telling the story. Our family history is NOT an exact science. we are a family of storytellers. We are a family of exaggerators. Whatever makes the story better will be added. If it isn't true to begin with, it soon will be and included as a part of our oral family history.
Most members of our family have a great sense of humor. Or a least we think so. Woe be unto the ones that don't. Spouses that have married into this clan quickly develop a type of survivalist wit. Not nearly as quick or funny. But it does allow them to escape the day with few injuries. We are all good sports. This time I may be the one picked on, next time it will be cousin Colleen. with a family as large as mine, I may be married and living in Australia by the time it is my turn again.
some kids my age pretend to be embarrassed by or annoyed with their family. This is hard for me to understand. O, i know there are as many different kinds of families as there are people in this world. And that families are made up of not only genetically connected people, but also people thrown together for a variety of reasons. It takes all kinds to make this world go round. However, if I were to ever give my Uncle Tom the idea that he had the ability to embarrass me -- I am sure that the teasing would have no end. As a matter of fact, my mother has told me just that. But my need for constant attention by all family members present overrides her warnings. I love the fact that my mother has an identical twin. I feel very connected to Aunt Cindee, our personalities are quite similar I am told. I think it was even said in a complimentary way. My Aunt Mari is single an an avid moviegoer -- my partner in crime for all of the chick flicks shown in this town. I was named for my Nana, a definite connection of love. And Papa knows the most amazing card tricks. Many families members, many talents, much love.
There is a certain safety in numbers. A great security in knowing that if I were to ever need any of my family for anything, they would be there for me. Like I said, most of these guys were there when I was born. At the hospital cheering on the doctor and my mother, applauding every stage of labor. The waiting room was taken over by our family --they did everything but build a bonfire. They have known me from day one, I don't feel as though I have to win awards or achieve great things to obtain this love and acceptance. It is just there...for the taking. And I will take it---many times over and over throughout my life. These guys are my anchors, my touchstone....MY FAMILY !
