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tease him about how much he slept. I swore sometimes my dad forgot his age and thought he was still a teenager. He never wanted to roll out of bed until mid-morning on the weekend, and by that time, my mom cleaned the entire house, did her grocery shopping, and read half a book. Thanksgiving morning seemed to be the only day he forced himself up early anymore on a day off, and probably because he could come home and nap all afternoon.
    My dad sat at the table with me while my mom prepared a plate for him. The fact she did all that for him might be sweet, but I wondered if my dad even knew how to make his own sandwich. Did he even know where to find the knives? Plates? He relied on my mom so much. Was making lunch for him every day of his life part of their wedding vows?
    "We're talking about how Francie doesn't have a boyfriend," my brother filled him in.
    "Nor should she. She's one of those independent women I hear so much about these days."
    "What do you mean, Dad?" My dad always was proud of my career path, and as my dad, I was sure he didn't want to rush marrying me off, but did that mean I should be exempt from love forever?
    He cleared his throat. "You know, the women who focus on their careers and could care less about getting married. You don't need that, Francie. You've got yourself."
    My family ate their turkey sandwiches, and my father's words began to sink in. Is this what people thought of me? Yeah, I spent a lot of time on my job. I loved my job. I helped people create an event for themselves or their loved ones they would never forget. When the fifty-year old woman jumped in surprise of her birthday party and her face glowed, it brought me joy. The time I assisted in a retirement party and the man's daughter he hadn't spoken with in years showed up, the excitement and appreciation spilled into my heart. And when the most gorgeous bride in the world entered the church, and her groom saw her for the first time in her flowing, white gown, and he didn't give a damn who witnessed him cry, I cried too. Would anyone ever cry for me at my wedding? Did everyone expect me to be alone?
    "Okay, everyone, now's my favorite part of the day. What is everyone thankful for?" My brother and dad groaned as my mom tossed her hands up in the air in anticipation of everyone's responses. "I'll start. I'm thankful we got to spend the morning together and got away with a few good items." She looked at my dad. "You're next."
    He dropped his head as he tried to think of a response. "I'm thankful for the nap I'll take later."
    "Eugene! Dig a little deeper than that." My mom clearly didn't like his answer.
    "Nope. That's what I'm thankful for. Teddy - your turn."
    Teddy bit into his sandwich and took his time chewing. We all pressed him to get moving. We all hated this part, so the fact he wanted to draw it out irritated both me and my dad. "I'm thankful that ..."
    "Come on, Teddy! Spit it out!" I prepared to bolt out of there. I didn't need this crap. I was ready to move on with my day. Who was I kidding? My day consisted of me, myself and I.
    A smile spread on his face. "I'm thankful I sold my video game!" The pitch in his voice became a squeal.
    "You what?" My chair squeaked as I shoved it back and jumped off. "When? How? Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
    He accepted hugs from everyone, except a handshake from Dad. "Two days ago. I've been waiting until now to tell you."
    Teddy worked for this moment for years. My brother, the one everyone thought buried himself in his computer with no future, sold something he worked so hard on. We didn't always get along, but that didn't make me any less proud.
    "Does this mean you'll be getting a place of your own, son?" My dad didn't know how to be discreet.
    "Yes, I'll be moving out as soon as I get the check."
    I couldn't tell if my dad was more proud of Teddy for his accomplishment or that he finally planned on moving out. Deny it all he wanted, I saw a tear in his eye.
    "Now you, Francie."
    I