The Last Thanksgiving

Well that sounds ominous...

While I am not experiencing my "last" Thanksgiving in quite the same manner as our turkey (hopefully at least), I am nonetheless about to embark on my last Thanksgiving as an "unmarried", for in 341 odd days I will be a "married" and thereby sharing Thanksgiving and all subsequent holidays permanently (yikes what will Arbour Day be like?) with another person.

This thought dawned on me today while once more I was zestfully scrubbing the toilet in preparation for our company's arrival - AKA Amandeep and Brandon (Handfastings and Holidays... I get the "Double H" cleaning duty).  Nonetheless, cleaning time bodes well for me as often I do my best thinking when cleaning the bathroom, essentially because I try to avoid thinking about the task at hand.  Therefore, today I had ample opportunity to contemplate my "last" Thanksgiving and my last year as an "unmarried". 

I use the term "unmarried" as I have been dating Brandon for so long that I cannot really classify myself as unattached (AKA single), but at the same time cannot classify myself as 100% linked.  Therefore, I consider myself in some kind of pre-marital limbo - hence the term "unmarried" (somethings are easier to define/explain by what they are not, as opposed to what they are).  Therefore, I feel I need to weigh the fact this is my "last" Thanksgiving carefully just in case I should need to change my mind and run the opposite direction from the alter - one always should have his or her turkeys errr... ducks in a row when contemplating any big decision.

My "last" Thanksgiving... hmmm... I don't really suppose I've had a solo Thanksgiving in eight years, as since I started dating Brandon he has attended each and every one my family has hosted.  Mind you, I don't think I have ever had a solo Thanksgiving in my life, as I have always been surrounded by my family, a few drop in friends and a turkey to be named later. 

BUT... I have to say that since Brandon has joined us for Thanksgiving he has added something extra to the event... Including (but of course not limited to):

1. The fact he complained religiously for the first three years we dated about having to wear his suit to Thanksgiving dinner (my dad ALWAYS wears a suit), but then suddenly stopped complaining and now secretly enjoys his Johnny Cash look (but don't tell him I told you that);
2. The fact we now have limited quantities of turkey/cheese sauce/stuffing/mash potato leftovers.  This adds an exciting element to the subsequent leftover dinner as it turns into a kill or be killed, survivor style experience as my sister and I duke it out with our parents for a taste of what may be left;
3. The fact he always knows when to give me a hug, tease or smile at me;
4. The fact he always helps with the dishes and makes sure everything is cleaned up following the meal (excellent practice for our married life);

And Lastly: The fact he has SLOWLY started breathing during dinner when using my Mom's good china/crystal and has stopped asking for regular dishes (plastic preferred) or paper plates when sitting down at the table - fear of breakage does remarkable things to a person.

However, I cannot evaluate my Thanksgiving experience without thinking of another benefit of Brandon joining in on my Thanksgivings - I get to join in on his!  While we were unable to make "the" dinner this year we did go up to his parents' house to attend one of their family traditions: The Norwood Fair.  While it may not be turkey and stuffing we went on carnival rides (which I love more than anything else, errr... practically), had taffy, chowed down on greasy fries and of course shared lots of laughs with his nephews and niece and a few others that joined in on the fun...

All this being considered I guess the scale is being heavily weighted toward the benefit of my becoming a "married".  However, I guess the final thing to evaluate is the importance of the fact that Brandon has been with me for so long that he remembers everything that has occurred during the last eight Thanksgivings.  He knew my Poppa (who was always close at hand) and he knows how much tradition, family and warmth mean to us... how could I ever opt to share this with anyone else?  Who else could understand?  Who else would I want by my side?  The answer is simple... no one.  And therefore while I head upstairs to shower and dress for my "last" Thanksgiving I am going to approach it with a smile and a skip in my step as this means next year I am officially attached to my best friend and future holiday partner - Brandon (wait till Arbour Day sweetie, it'll be a blow out to remember!).

Thanksgiving 2004 - Brandon, Dad, Me, Mom, Megs and Poppa

PS It has however come to my attention that Santa will visit me for the last time this year... I am not quite sure how I feel about that, in fact this might be a whole other situation that requires debate... Brandon, can you beat the big red guy in a suit?