Thinking of Thanksgivings past that sucked and just not feeling too bad for people moaning about this one going a little sideways because pandemic. 1/

My dad died in October when I was 17. I was a freshman in college. Made it home riding in the back of a pickup truck (it had a topper). But, I was super drunk and fell out of the back into the street when they dropped me off. What a lovely gift for my poor mom. 2/

There was at least one Thanksgiving when my dad put the turkey in the garage to thaw out and the neighborhood dogs ate it. Not sure what we had that year. 3/

The years when I was in college on the East Coast and couldn’t afford to fly back to MT—actually couldn’t afford the long-distance call either. Friends took me in twice. One Thanksgiving and one Christmas spent in the movie theatre, sneaking into the next screening. 4/

Mid-20s, flew Thanksgiving Day cuz it was cheaper. Old boyfriend and his new wife on the same flight. I was in sweatpants. She was dressed in gingham for dinner. Her hair was done. Flight to MT delayed and somehow I ended up escorting his son to see boyfriends first wife. Fun. 5/

Thanksgiving Day waitressing in a restaurant called Pioneer Pies. We dressed like prairie girls with full length skirts, aprons, and bonnets. Imagine the joy. 6/

All this to say, I’m thankful for what I have, that my family is safe. Staying home in my tiny pod with a bird and bubbles. You can do it. It’s just a day. 7/