Chapter 24 - Thanksgiving again
The first Thanksgiving after the divorce? Actually two years after original.
We did not go to Margaret’s.
Robert hosted at his condo clubhouse.
Small.
Ten people.
Margaret had her own dinner with her sister.
Evan asked:
“Will Grandma ever come to Thanksgiving again?”
I said:
“Maybe.”
Not promise.
The following year, year three, she did.
At Robert’s? Awkward after divorce. Better Aunt Lauren hosts neutral.
Daniel’s sister Lauren hosted.
Neutral house.
Margaret invited.
Robert invited.
They had learned to coexist for grandchildren.
Not friends.
Not enemies every second.
Margaret asked before coming whether Evan was comfortable.
He said:
“Sure.”
I asked twice.
“Mom.”
Right.
Stop.
At dinner, every person received a normal plate.
This should not feel emotional.
It did.
Evan sat beside his cousin Mason.
He looked at the turkey.
“Dark meat?”
Lauren asked.
“White.”
She changed it.
No lecture.
Margaret said nothing.
Five minutes later, Evan whispered:
“This stuffing has onions.”
I waited.
Margaret heard.
Her face did something.
Old instinct.
Then she said:
“There are rolls.”
That was it.
No:
Eat what you’re given.
No:
Don’t be rude.
Evan took a roll.
May you like
Dinner continued.
Three years of family change measured in one ignored onion.
