A THANKSGIVING FEAST FOR ONE

Thanksgiving is about family or whatever you have left

This is what I thought it would be. A feast for family and friends. The longest dining table you could ever imagine. At
the end of the table pies galore. Apple, Cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato. Green bean casserole. Mac and cheese. Tossed salad. Cornbread stuffing. Cranberry sauce. Mashed potatoes. Buttered rolls. Honey baked ham. And the piece de resistance, a 15 lb golden roasted turkey. More than enough for everyone. But the chairs remain empty. No one magically appears. No one is walking through the door. Maybe this is a dream. At any moment, I will wake up in my bed in the middle of the night. I feel a stinging pain in my heart when I realize this is not a dream. This is truth. My reality. My grandparents have passed away. Aunts and uncles fighting each other. Cousins grown up and moved away. Friends who have lost touch with me and I have lost touch with them. I have responsibility in this too. I walk around the table and begin filling my plate. Small portions of everything. Whatever this is or wherever I am, the food smells real enough. I sit down at the head of the table and begin eating. The food is really good. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe this is a dream. Any second. Any minute. Any time, I can wake up. The results will still be the same. Empty chairs... Life is but a dream.

Author's Note

A few years ago this was a dream. It's not a dream anymore

Reviews

[Nadia Zahran]

This was great. I especially enjoyed the "Whatever this is or wherever I am, the food smells real enough". Rang very true for me. Awesome read.

[Samuel Dickens]

Even for a person like me who enjoys being alone, I sometimes need a few friends or family around. Thanksgiving is one of those times. I'm saddened by your situation and hope things will change in your favor. This piece is well-written and hard-hitting.

[J. Hampton]

Change is a b***h... you've corralled the struggle of adjusting...and expectations
"life is but a dream"...perfect last words
Merrily Merrily...
Christmas is coming
I liked this

[Diane]

Sad but this is so true for a lot of people. When I was younger we had huge gatherings. I am and never was a fan of Thanksgiving, so not that I am older and it isn't like it used to be. I love it the way it is now.

On these days though this is when family are to get together and have a meal and try and enjoy each other.
Some times you can always have friends and people who live near you join in.
I like how you made your emotions turn into words. Awesome job.

[Hannah]

This is really impactful. There are few things more painful than being alone, and it's very relatable to wish for is to be a dream. Very, very powerful.

[heavenscentgirl1]

KC, your words have so tightly pulled at my heartstrings bringing tears to my eyes. As I read through this piece I felt the sadness, loneliness, regrets and even the love of an individual all alone at Thanksgiving.

Though it began with sadness you ended the piece on a much happier and brighter note ~ at least I’m hoping that is the case ... and not someone just giving up on the dream of ever having someone there to share their Thanksgiving Feast with.

KC, please take care & have a Happy Thanksgiving Day my friend. 🦃👍

Blessings, 🙏
~ hsg