Turkey Day 2010

Monday, Nov. 29, 2010 - 12:41 a.m.

Thanksgiving found us at Aunt Linda's house, which is someplace I'd never been before. For some reason, I couldn't figure out the front door. I can't explain it, so you'll just have to trust me.

The time with the family was revelatory and peaceful and amazing. There are people in this group who are help me cope with the loss and the changes.

Among them are my Uncle Mark, who has an utterly fearless and unfettered sense of humor that has been very much needed and appreciated this year of all years, and my sister-in-law Linda, who has a quiet strength that I don't think I appreciated more than I do now.

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The best exchange of the afternoon:

Uncle Mark: So I hear you're going to Australia!

Me: Yep, going there in April for my birthday. Might even get a tattoo of the Southern Cross to celebrate.

Uncle Mark: Oh yeah? Where?

Me: Australia.

Uncle Mark: (exaggerated eyeroll / stage fluster) No, I mean *where* on *you*?

Me: Below the equator.

... and at that point, Uncle Mark signaled surrender with his napkin.

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I've heard it said that there are two kinds of family. Family Of Chance, which has to do with birth and blood relations and shared DNA.

And then there's the other one, Family Of Choice.

In all of my experience, I have always and always found that my Family Of Choice has been where my strongest connections have been.

However -- and this is the part I'm grateful for -- I am extremely fortunate enough to have both in the form of my in-laws. Sometimes I wish we knew each other better, but there's something to be said for unconditional love and acceptance.

By the way, readers, if I haven't said it lately? Thank you for your feedback. It means a lot to me, and I am grateful.

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That's it. See you next time.

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