My parents moved back to New York City in 1983 or 84; I'm not sure which. But I am sure that I felt very much abandoned by them, especially on holidays. I was the only one left in Kansas; Toby had moved to upstate New York to pursue her Phd and TC to southern Orange County for some California dreamin, years before my parents finally pulled up stakes. I wasn’t really surprised by their move; they’d been saying, basically since they moved us here in 1971, “Kansas is a good place to raise a family. But as soon as we do that… we’re outta here!” Sometimes I felt like they couldn’t wait for me to grow up.

But the feeling of abandonment quickly gave way to one of opportunity... and fun. Lots and lots of fun! My little humble abode became the go-to house for all my friends, (and lots of their friends), to gather on holidays... especially Thanksgiving, when few could afford to travel home. Collectively, we cobbled together a Thanksgiving meal. I remember making the turkey, not because I was any good at it, but because my employer gave me a free one every year! My two other specialties were sweet potato casserole and dressing; man I could throw down some dressing!

Years passed, friends married or moved away, I met Mikey, and the rest… as they say, is history. In retrospect, what that really meant for me, was that my cooking was history; Mikey is the cooker man in our family!

But lo and behold... I found myself in similar circumstances as 30 years ago, this week, because of my inability lately to look more than 2 days ahead! So just to cover my bases, (and admittedly prompted by the frozen butterball I found in the downstairs freezer while searching for wine), I picked up a few goodies at the store on Wednesday. Today... I set out to see if I still had it in me. The turkey is obviously overcooked... and why he looks like I do when I'm sleeping, all curled up on one side, is beyond me! But my dressing is SPOT on, and how can anyone screw up sweet potato casserole?!? I have wine, Netflix, crappy weather and fabulous memories of those days, I thought I'd been abandoned, to keep me company tonight.

So as I prepare to join Mike, in Beijing soon, I look forward to watching my own kids find their new normal, for just a couple of years, and I know from my own lessons that although it won't be easy at first... it will be worth it! The friends I made back then, alongside those delicious holiday dinners, are the same ones I count on today. And fortunately, for both me and Mike, they will be there for Jordie and Nick when they need a hand, a hug, or a good community meal!! ‪