Turkey Day – Turkey Year!

GOOBLE, GOOBLE

Turkey, what an interesting word. A turkey by definition is “a large mainly domesticated game bird native to North America, having a bald head and (in the male) red wattles. It is prized as food, especially on festive occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Yet the word turkey has another meaning which fits this year to a tee…“something completely inept.” The something I am referring to is 2020. This year starts out flying high. Yet, like a turkey’s inept attempts to fly, we find ourselves in a stall, down and out under the cloud of a pandemic.

Not All Bad…

What a turkey of a year! What can we celebrate? For starters we are still able to be thankful for our loved ones, even from afar. This is a monumental blessing. So many are suffering, but there is a determination to defeat this egregious enemy of our sacred rituals and traditions. We will carry on, even in isolation. I am thankful when even in this dark time we can buy a turkey (or turkey parts), stuff and serve. America, while not perfect, provides plenty for many.

On the Menu…

In spite of all, my daughter and son-in-law hosted Steve and I for a Thanksgiving mid-day dinner in their new home. The turkey stuffing (with Italian spices and asiago cheese) found center stage. A turkey breast, favorite sides and a pumpkin pie made an appearance. This year we all cut back, relying on memories of Thanksgivings past to provide hope for a return to normal. My son, Louis, shares a photo of granddaughter Alice. The image so sweet, so precious. No mask, no fear, just participation in and anticipation of a Turkey Day. A remembered moment of feasting and fun with family.

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Delicious Memories!

As we look back on favorite Turkey Days, my mind harkens back to Grandma in Louisville. She would arrange a seat at the big table for everyone in her extended family. She spiced her meals generously with love. Uncle Dominic sat at the head of the table, flanked on his left by his wife, Aunt Bernice. Following her, my Mom and Dad. Grandma’s chair, rarely occupied, directly right of Uncle Dominic. Aunt Babe, Uncle Bill next with the cascade of grandchildren. First, the boys, oldest to youngest, then the girls, youngest to oldest…Nancy and I, the oldest girls, across from each other at the table’s end. Too much food constantly in motion around the table. Grandma watching, pushing and pressing us to fatten up. She knew there would be leaner, more difficult days ahead for us all. How wonderful to recall the innocence of those moments. How will we remember Turkey Day 2020?

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