Episode 24: Canadian Friendsgiving

Saturday evening in Neighborful Station, You are about to head out the door to the baked potato buffet along with your Mom, who is visiting with you for the weekend. The two of you have made mushroom cornbread stuffing, at the request of Grace, who usually does not ask anything in particular for the meal.

You say to your Mom, “The whole thing is quite mysterious. She wanted you to come this time, and then she gave us a food assignment. This is all new to me.”

Your Mom says, “Grace called me the other day, and we had a lovely conversation. She said I would be one of many special guests. It seems like this is going to be some kind of celebration, but she wouldn’t reveal what it was.”

You move to pick up the casserole dish full of stuffing, but before you get to it, your Mom holds out her hands. She says, “Whatever the reason, we get to be together tonight, and that is such a joy for me. Here, will you take my hands for a moment? I want to look at you.”

You reply, “Yes, Mom, of course.”

You and your Mom stand across from each other, holding hands, and you feel the warmth in her fingers. She looks you up and down, with brightness in her eyes, and says, “You’ve been rushing around for hours, getting everything ready. Just stand here a moment, and take a breath with me.”

Mom says, “There, that’s perfect. Okay, let’s go solve this mystery.”

As the two of you cross the street, you see other neighbors approaching Grace and Matthew’s house, along with companions whom you do not recognize. Jayda and DeAndre bound up to your Mom, Jayda hugging her fiercely. Their Dads, Kevin and Tim, arrive a moment later, with a huge wicker basket full of dinner rolls, fresh out of the oven. Trailing just behind the Dads are two older women, who both smile at you as they approach.

“Hello, You!” Tim says. “The kids are so happy to see your Mom again.”

You say, “Hello, Tim and Kevin! She’s just as happy to see them. Now, can you tell us what’s going on tonight?”

Kevin starts to open his mouth, and one of the older women pokes him gently in the ribs. She says, “We wouldn’t want to spoil the fun for you, now would we, Kevin?”

He mutters, “Ow. No, we wouldn’t, Aunt Carol.”

Carol holds out her hand and says, “Pleased to meet you.”

You take her hand lightly and say in turn, “The pleasure is mine.”

You make your way as a group into the backyard, where the usual party lights have been joined by garlands of colorful maple leaves, criss-crossing overhead. A Canadian flag is hanging from the end of the pavilion, and you hear Cape Breton fiddle music beneath the friendly chatter of the crowd.

Grace hurries over and calls out, “Happy Friendsgiving, You! Can I take that casserole dish?”

You say, “Yes, thank you,” and hand it over.

Grace takes it and tells you, “Matthew is Canadian, you know. He grew up on Prince Edward Island. So we celebrate Canadian Friendsgiving every year in his honor.”

You tell her, “This all looks wonderful. We’re so glad to be here.”

You and your Mom find a place at the long table stretching through the yard, and Jayda immediately seats herself next to your Mom. You take in the sights and smells of the feast, with brined turkey, mashed potatoes, several kinds of stuffing, and roasted carrots in family style bowls laid out in front of you. There is also an unlit candle in front of each place setting. You sneak a bite of mashed potatoes, savoring the velvety texture, as you draw in a comfortable breath.

Matthew stands up at the head of your table and clinks his water glass with his spoon. The gathering falls silent, everyone giving their attention to him.

He says in a quiet but clear voice, “Many of you know that I am quite a shy person, and this is always hard for me. But I simply must tell you how much it means to us, having you here. We have asked each of you to bring a family member to celebrate with us, because we want your own family to feel as welcome here as you do. There is room in our family for all of you, and we hope there is room in your families for us.

“Please take up the candle in front of your place setting. We are going to pass the light around the table, starting here with Grace. She has been my light for 49 years, and she has invited each of you to be here. Now, we can all be light to each other.”

Grace, standing with Matthew, kisses him on the cheek, and holds her lit candle to his. Matthew leans down and lights the candles of Emily and Chris, who are sitting across from each other, with baby Claire in her high chair on the corner, chattering with delight. Slowly, the dancing flames make their way down each side of the table. Your Mom receives her light from Jayda, and then turns to you.

Mom says, “May I be your light?”

You say, “Yes, always.” The two of you hold each other’s gaze for a moment, then Mom looks down to your candle, wiping away a tear as she does. It takes a moment for the wax to burn away from your wick, and then your candle steadies its own flame, bright and clear. You hear the owls congregating in the distance, keeping watch over the feast. As you witness the glowing circle around you, feeling a great lightness in your arms and chest, you take in a deep breath of gratitude.

You hear Jayda say in a dreamy voice, “I love Canada.” You and your Mom exchange a knowing glance, smiling with sparkling eyes at each other, as your Mom says, “Moi aussi, chère Jayda. Moi aussi.”