Some trips feel like a moon launch. Everything you need or think you might possibly need is packed to go as if the destination is off-world. Maybe it’s to clean out your refrigerator, or avoid going to the grocery once you get there. Either way, the food is racking up the miles.
With family members coming from four states, converging on the epicenter of the reunion, we each want to contribute to the menu. We divvied up the dishes, and bought components. The voice in my head said, what if we need more butter, or celery, or snacks? And wouldn’t it be fun to bring some local treats to share? Turns out everyone had the same impulse: we have candies, cakes, cheeses, beverages and not enough refrigerator or counter space for it all.
With so many of us, the unlikely concern forms that we might not have enough food. Even though the turkey is larger than any we’ve ever cooked, the stuffing is abundant, there are multiple sides and rich gravy. If a grocery store was open, I think someone might make a run for another vegetable. But going anywhere means rearranging the cars in the driveway, and keys are in that jumbled pile of coats on the bed, so we stay put.
Roasting is underway; we arrange snacks and nibbles meant to stave off hunger till the main event is ready but they don’t seem to adequately answer the question from hungry teens who want to know when we’re having lunch.
Finally it’s time. We pull every chair around the table till we rub elbows. Everything is perfect – in fact, it’s a Thanksgiving miracle – the food is delicious, moist, colorful, and everything that should be hot is hot. We eat and laugh and pose for pictures; have seconds and thirds until we’re all too full to breathe. Then we remember there are pies.
After more conversation, laughter and dishes, we pack the leftovers and there seems to be as much food to take home as we started with. All the Tupperware is filled, ready to travel across state lines. Maybe in a few days, I’ll be ready for a turkey sandwich and some homemade soup. And I’ll wonder who ate all that pie.