Thanksgiving memories

Overall we had a great TG. Cindy once again hit the ball out of the park and created an incredible feast for all of our family. The crowd was made up of mostly her kin, with just a couple of brown folks from my side. The highlight of the day was provided by the oldest of my very own flesh and blood, Ethan.

First a little back story. Now this is entirely my opinion and I may be completely wrong about this, but this is my blog so here it goes. I love Cindy's family. Her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are generous and kind, and have given us more than we could have ever expected. But you get more than 2 of them in a room together and I seem to become a conversational ninja, disappearing into the shadows. It's like they can see me out of the corner of their eye but there are brighter (and more familiar) people to focus on, so that's where the chit-chat flows. Throw in a newly engaged brother and his fiancee, and I'd have to sing "Memory" in a cat suit to get any decent conversation.

Cindy had the perfect solution. Everybody at the adult table (the kids were set up in the other room) was given 3 corn kernels. Whenever anyone held up a kernel, they would be given the courtesy of undivided attention as they shared what they were thankful for. And it worked like a charm.

"I'm thankful for"...
- My upcoming vacation
- the love I found in him
- Cousin Selma who the doctors found, does not have cancer
- my grand daughter Amy's pregnancy
- aunt Beth's giant garage where I can park my RV
- that she finally moved in...

All of these and more were shared by the family as I patiently waited for my turn. In the midst of all the thankfulness, Ethan scampered in from the kids table and went directly to the bathroom in the hall. Apparently well within earshot of the adults. Finally it was my turn. I would have my share of the conversation pie. All eyes were on me, so I cleared my throat to begin.

"Well, I really want to--"

"I'M THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY!!!" came the small voice from the still open bathroom door.

After the collective "Awwwwwww" from the table died down, I started again. "Ahem. Adorable, really. As I was saying--"

"AND I'M THANKFUL THAT WHEN I POOP, MY TUMMY FEELS BETTER!"

The roar from the table was deafening, but he continued undeterred.

"AND...AND...POOPS ARE GOOD TO GET OUT OF OUR BODIES!"

It took a good 10 minutes for the laughter to die down. I felt a lot like Charlie Brown as I sighed to myself "Good grief, even my own son steals my spotlight!"

Anyway, it all worked out ok. Eventually I was able to share and everyone was very kind. We ended the evening by watching "Mission Impossible 3" while nursing our turkey hangover. All in all, a good time.