Symmetrical Thanksgiving

An old idea is sometimes best. That’s why I mailed the 24-holiday invites for my Thanksgiving dinner feast. “No one writes anymore. My personally hand-crafted invitations are sure to make an impression on the family,” I concluded with joy.

After hours of planning, the dining room is decorated with a symmetrical theme. The chairs have golden nameplates for each guest. My parents Minnie and Jerry will sit together at the head of the table. My sister Marge and me, Martha, on the left. Brothers Joshua and Joseph, on the right. Males on the right, and females on the left.

“Our family names starting with J and M add to the symmetry,” I point out. My girlfriends Tia, Rose, and Isabella will sit next to me. “It's been a long time since I’ve seen my besties,” I pondered. “It will be good to see them.”

Next are the spouses of my siblings. Derrick will be seated on the right. Susan and Robin, on the left. Their children follow. Daisy, Betsy, Sophia, Luna, Olivia, and Emma are on the left. Aaron, Bernard, Gavin, Earl, Charles, and little Frank are on the right. Girls on the left, boys on the right. “12 adults and 12 children, perfect symmetry,” I say while looking at the colorful welcome family sign in the vestibule.

I’ve prepared fried turkey, barbeque beef ribs, roasted honey ham, and shrimp scampi. There’s still room on the table for homemade mashed potatoes, string beans, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes. Everyone’s favorite is mac and cheese, prepared with 3 different cheeses. I placed it center stage next to the meats. The apple and pumpkin pie for dessert will stay in the refrigerator with the strawberry vanilla ice cream until everybody wants dessert. Little Frank loves strawberry ice cream and apple pie, I recall. I’ll scoop out the strawberries just for him. An abundant amount of beer, wine, bottled water, and Kool-Aid are supplied for each age group.

Sunlight from the dining room window shines on the arranged dishes, silverware, and glasses. I take several pictures of the table to remember the love, time, and energy spent on preparing this meal for my family and friends. I wanted Dad to cut the meats but it was getting late. His carving skills match those of a professional chef, however, I’ve accepted my mediocre ability to carve will have to do for now.

I drink a second glass of Chardonnay while closing the dining room curtains. It was too dark to see the Thanksgiving decorations on my lawn. The extra hour of light from Daylight Saving Time came and went as the tears from my reddening eyes. Now my pumpkin spice candles take over the reins to continue showing the visual beauty of the food on the table.

“This truly is a lovely table setting,” I say, taking another sip of wine. “It has symmetry.”

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A/N: I read a story on WP years ago about a woman who planned a Thanksgiving dinner for her family. I don't remember the author but I do remember tearing up for a few days. That story ended badly and I never forgot it. That's the power of words. This story is my homage to that author and the writing prompt "Symmetry."