Turkey Day

My entire family aside from me and my parents live in Western Kentucky so every Thanksgiving we pack up our bags, load into the car, and make the four hour journey to Paducah and Mayfield, Kentucky. We first spend the night at my mom's mother's house where we usually just lay around and play cards. Then the next morning we head to my Aunt Jackie's where my mom's side of the family gathers. We watch the parade and then the dog show until football comes on. Then it's time for food. You name it, (except for mashed potatoes this year) and we have it. So much food. Too much food. But it's all delicious and we all manage to stuff it down our throats, which we'll all regret for the next week. Then while the younger kids go outside and play I stay inside with the men to watch football while the women gossip about the latest family issues in a little circle in the back of the room. 

Later that night my mom, dad, and I drive to my memaw and pepaw's where yet another Thanksgiving feast awaits us (which none of us partake in). My mom and I usually sit in the living room and watch a movie while Dad's side of the family chatters loudly and eats all sorts of yummies. As the night passes, people start to part ways and finally it's just us. The next day we head back to my grandmother's house where we spend another night and then leave the next morning to return to home sweet home, and where I dreadfully return to a large pile of homework. 

I don't particularly enjoy this holiday just because of the traveling, chaos, family issues flaring up, and that awful feeling of having eaten too much yet again even after you promise yourself this year you wouldn't eat as much. Nevertheless, they're family and it's always good to get away from Lexington for just a little while. However, I have to admit my favorite memory is one of the saddest moments I have during the holidays. This is visiting my granddaddy at Elsey Cemetery. Sitting by his grave and quietly talking to him is just the perfect way to end the day. Even though it's so emotional, no one is in my face, and getting to talk to one of my favorite people ever is the best feeling in the world.

Overall, Thanksgiving is just insane but it's also a nice break from reality. Escaping the crazy hectic life of school and friends is nice and getting to spend time with family is always a moment you can cherish.