33. TURKEY LURKEY TIME

Well, Thatch, I asked him, what do you and Annabelle want to do for Thanksgiving?

Open our presents!

Sorry, Thatch, no presents on Thanksgiving; you only get presents on Christmas.  Or Hanukka, if you’re Jewish.  Christmas is a Christian holiday.

No presents? Annabelle yelled.  I hate this holiday!

Are you a Christian, Daddy? he asked me.

A long lapsed one, Thatch.  I don’t care much for organized religion or those who carry it about publicly like a weapon.  So many Christians, especially those in politics and rightwing Christianity, wouldn’t know Christ if He walked up and gave them souls.

Sometimes, Annabelle said, I don’t understand a thing you say.  

You make me happy to know that, Missy.  

I was counting on some presents, Thatch said.

Me, too, Annabelle said.  I made a list of things I want for Thanksgiving.

I’m sorry.  It’s more of a holiday to be with family and friends . . . you know, to celebrate the things you’re grateful for.  I’m grateful that the Democrats had a big win in the elections, but I’m really truly grateful I have you and Thatch and a lot of fantastic friends.  I couldn’t get through the day without any of you.

Well, you could show your gratitude by giving me some jewelry, Annabelle said.

Look at it this way, Annabelle, I said, Christmas is only a month away.

Christmas is fun! Thatch yelled from the cat tree where he was grooming himself.

Alvin! I yelled.  Annabelle laughed and ran to me.  She jumped onto the computer table and began “White Christmas.”  Thatch jumped from the cat tree and ran to join her.  Two kittens sang “White Christmas” at the top of their lungs.

Thatch, you always sing that harmony wrong! Annabelle gently said.  If we’re going caroling this year, you’ve got to get it right.

I could see Thatch was hurt, so before be began to cry, I said, Well, I guess it’s about time to drag out the Christmas CDs.  Annabelle, we’ll do that this weekend, and Thatch and I can decorate the apartment while you play disc jockey.

Good! Annabelle said happily.  Then Thatch and I can get our songs in shape for caroling. I guess for Thanksgiving I’m really really really grateful to have such a wonderful brother, Thatch!

I love you, Annabelle! he licked her ear. 

Anyone else? I asked, aiming for a compliment.

No, she said, I can’t think of anyone.

Okay, I asked, do you want to watch the parade?  It’s almost time.

Yes! Annabelle said. Come on, Thatch!  This will be fun.  Some day I’ll be in that parade.

They ran to my bed and settled in front of the TV.  Okay, change the channel, she ordered. 

I did, just as the parade began.  I sat on the bed with them.  At the first commercial break, Annabelle climbed onto my lap and gave a big sigh of contentment. Do you know who I’m really grateful for, Daddy?

No, Missy, who’s that? I asked.

R.U. Fémos.  What would I do without him?

And Daddy, Thatch yelled.

Of course, she said.  Did you think we’d forget you?  Happy Thanksgiving, Daddy.

©2018, Larry Moore