The turkey was heavy this year. And the table was full. But not as full as her heart.
Mrs. C couldn’t help smiling as she carried the platter to the table. Around the collection of dishes containing favorite casseroles and salads were the faces of the people she loved, some for themselves and some in spite of themselves. Mary’s look of rapt anticipation was gratifying. And then there was George peeking up with orneriness from his corner spot. But all of them were special; it just wouldn’t be a family event if even one were missing. These thoughts tumbled through her mind as she stood for a moment, her masterpiece hovering over their heads. And then she gentled it down between the mashed potatoes and the green beans and looked at her Sam with a twinkle in her eye. Handsome rascal, that one, even if he was over 70 and as ornery as his grandson. Could it be possible that they were an old couple with a grown family? Could this gaggle of laughing children and opinionated adults really belong to them?
Yes, as she sat down and took Sam’s crooked fingers in hers, she decided it was true. It was Thanksgiving, and they were here with the family they had started so long ago. God was good. And as the old man she still liked started the blessing over the food, she peeked out at the bursting table and smothered a chuckle. George had swiped a roll already. She could see his mouth moving. Some things never change.
-with thanks to Mr. Norman Rockwell for his art titled “Freedom from Want” which first appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post and inspired this vignette.
