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The invitation hung, suspended, in midair. It wasn't the first time. It wasn't even the third or fourth. Whenever I saw Earl (usually at a retirement party) he mentioned the open-invitation feasts at his place every Thanksgiving Day.
The advice I received last week carried a sting. I had asked, but did I really want to hear? Lois made it clear. She figured we could share Thanksgiving with friends, but declined to accept the offers received. I didn't think so at first. I forgot about Earl.
Last Saturday, at Mike's retirement party, I saw him again. The invitation was offered. The advice hung, suspended, in midair. "We'd love to!" I replied.
This Black Friday morning I am sitting in front of the fire, savoring memories of a glorious Thanksgiving.
The drive to Frenchtown was lovely, a frosting of first snow defining ridgelines against an active sky. The rustic, handcrafted home in the woods was warm with food, friendly people, lively conversation, and-yes-Thanksgiving football on the big screen.
The challenge of a big-deal holiday without extended family had felt so daunting the week before. The way it turned out was better than I could have imagined. As evening approached, e-mail addresses were exchanged, and with them the promise of more to come.
Lois was right. All it took was hearing the invitation, trusting its sincerity, overcoming social reticence, and saying "yes." Lesson learned. It will be easier the next time.
As Thanksgiving comes and goes, I am grateful for the ever-changing landscape of opportunity and challenge that enables us to try new things, learn, and grow. And I am grateful to Lois and Earl for bringing it all together this time round.
What was enlightening, surprising, or rewarding about your Thanksgiving Day?
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