‘Who likes smoked turkey,’ Grandpa E asked?

Do you have a little of that good rum, Neva J asked with a Rummy’s gleam in her eyes?

‘How many will be here for Thanksgiving,’ Billy B. asked as he played host to the ever-expanding gathering. ‘I have all of the folding chairs out and the card table for the kids,’ he added.

The little house had only four rooms…but they were four rooms filled with love. Grandpas B and E were telling tall tales and Neva J was on her third shot of Thanksgiving Rum…and there was a Rum Cake as well. Niece T was there and her sweet mom and dad and even Granpa Mike asked…’ Janey do you always have these lovely balloons on display?’

‘I love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Fernie said.

‘MJ you always have such a wonderful dinner and real napkins…and I so appreciate you asking me each year,’ Mrs. M said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Aunt Wanda came in and Uncle Bill and cousin Billy. They had in their arms pumpkin pie and Divinity and homemade fudge as well. Neva J asked them if they would like a bit of rum to ward off the cold and they said that they would love some.

There was happy talk of shopping on Black Friday and traveling to St. Louis. They were going to see the Christmas Bears at Famous and Barr and then have dinner at Casa Gallardo. Thoughts of Christmas were swirling about in their heads. The Sear Wishbook had been dog-eared by Aaron and Jonathon for possibilities for under the Christmas Tree.

Billy B looked startled as suddenly everyone was gone and the house had transformed into a much larger one. He had been there. It was as real as anything he had experienced.

‘Chet…did you see them leave…are my eyes playing tricks on me…were we not just celebrating Thanksgiving at Elkville with all of the family and life before us and our hopes at their zenith,’ Billy B asked his lifelong friend?

‘Not only were we there but they are here…past and present are in a circle and all are transpiring at the same time…shut your eyes and open them and you will see,’ said Chet.

‘Pass me another slice of that delicious smoked ham,’ said Grandpa E.

‘You know you really can taste the rum in the rum cake,’ Neva J laughed as she sliced another helping.

‘Please do not ever leave,’ Billy B implored the Thanksgiving group.

‘We are always here…we never left…,’ said Grandpa Mike…