When my six-year-old son, Leo, asked if we could save a seat at Thanksgiving dinner for “the man who always brings Mommy flowers,” I thought he must have been imagining things. But the look on my wife Megan’s face told me there was more to the story, and I was determined to find out. Thanksgiving has always been a time of joy and togetherness in our family.
This year, however, a simple comment from Leo made me think about something other than Thanksgiving. It made me wonder if I really knew my wife. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.
Growing up, my mom made a big deal out of it every year, inviting the entire extended family over for a grand feast. The house would be filled with the smell of roasted turkey, laughter, and way too many pumpkin pies. Those memories stuck with me, and when I married Megan, I knew I wanted to carry on that tradition.
For the past seven years, Megan and I have hosted Thanksgiving at our home. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Megan cooks up a storm, I pitch in with setting the table and keeping Leo entertained, and the house buzzes with warmth and love.
It’s chaotic but in the best way. This year, we decided to keep it small. Just the three of us.
Life’s been stressful lately, with work deadlines, school activities for Leo, and all the little things that pile up when you least expect them. We figured a quiet Thanksgiving would be a chance to recharge, enjoy some turkey, and maybe sneak in a second slice of pie. Plus, we haven’t been doing that well financially.
I thought it’d be better if it was just the three of us this time. A few days before Thanksgiving, we were doing a dry run, checking to make sure we had everything for the dinner. Leo was buzzing around us, as six-year-olds do when he suddenly stopped and blurted out a question that made me freeze mid-step.
“Can we save a seat for the man who always brings Mommy flowers?”
I almost dropped the chair I was holding. Megan, standing by the table with a stack of plates, froze too. “What man, buddy?” I asked, trying to stay calm.
“The one who gives Mommy flowers when you’re at work!” Leo said with a smile. I glanced at Megan, expecting her to laugh it off. Instead, she just looked at Leo with wide eyes.
It seemed like our son had just spilled a family secret. “Oh, really?” I chuckled. “What’s he saying, Meg?”
“I-I don’t know,” Megan stammered before turning to Leo.
