Reflections on the Tenth Week of Fall

Aunt Marge said, “It's the people that matter.” Though my good dishes were in Cleveland, our six chairs didn't match, and so many regular forks had disappeared we had to use dessert forks for dinner, wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, that friends and relatives sent via text, email, cards, phone, and shouts across the field, came true. Friday, daughter Ellen and her boyfriend Chris arrived at 1:30. We offered beverages, but they said, “We just want to sit and talk with you.” Later, Cousin Joe and his wife Barb came from Erie. Barb hung her coat and asked, “What can I do?” She made gravy and mashed potatoes. Joe kept cozy conversation flowing around the dinner table. When I put the pie in the oven to warm, Barb pulled a pair of purple gloves out of her purse so she could wash dishes. Ellen packed leftovers. I dried plates and revelled in having three women in the kitchen. Ellen and Chris stayed overnight so were here when son Spencer Charles arrived at 6:00 a.m. Saturday. Because we won't be together in December, we celebrated Christmas: present sharing, snowy walk, winery visit, games, hugs, smiles, and always the joy of people being together. Aunt Marge was right.