Watch the Birdie
Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC
There is this legendary story that floats around this time each year about a remarkable woman who not only salvaged a holiday gathering but also is a shining example of how to think on your feet. This woman, who we will call “Mrs. Smith”, prepared all day for her first holiday feast at her family’s new home. Relatives and friends had been crowding into their home that Thanksgiving Day, since late afternoon enjoying each other’s company and looking forward to a fabulous holiday feast.
Mrs. Smith had never cooked a holiday dinner for such a large group and without question was quite nervous about the results. Her mother-in-law was her greatest critic and was present for this momentous occasion. Fortunately, everything in the kitchen was going well and Mrs. Smith’s confidence began to soar as she neared the dinner hour.
Mrs. Smith peered out of the kitchen one last time before calling everyone to have a seat for the feast. The table was set elegantly with all the trimmings complimenting what appeared to be the idyllic holiday setting. Lights were dimmed, holiday music played softly in the background and all the relatives were actually getting along. How impressive this was all going to be, she thought – finally the perfect holiday!
One last check needed to be made in the kitchen. The turkey was magnificent. A huge bird, golden brown and glimmering with a buttery glaze. The supporting cast of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, beans and cranberry sauce were ready to be presented to the awaiting and hungry crew that had assembled that memorable day. It was time.
Mrs. Smith proudly emerged from the kitchen to announce that dinner would be served. At once, the gallery of relatives and friends assembled at the table. Moods were upbeat, conversation pleasant and anticipation for the annual parade of food to begin. One by one the items that would complement the main attraction (the turkey) were carefully placed on the table and arranged for easy access. Like a scene from medieval times, and almost as if trumpets were sounding, the group attention focused on the grand entrance of Mrs. Smith with her prize turkey.
The door swung open and there she stood. It was a picture of triumph and glory. She had done it. Despite all the pressure of preparing the holiday feast, she was really going to pull it off. She stood motionless for a moment at the doorway leading into the dining room to enjoy the moment – oohs and awes singing her praises as if in a chorus. Even her mother-in-law was impressed and joined in the spirit of the moment.
As she took her first steps into the dining room, the unspeakable happened. As if in slow motion, she tripped on the area rug covering their hardwood floor and watched helplessly as her turkey slipped off the serving platter onto the floor. Bending down on one knee she looked up for a moment and surveyed the faces of those surrounding the table. Looks of disbelief (and a smile from her mother-in-law), accompanied by a deafening silence said it all.
Miraculously and in one swift motion she scooped up the fallen bird, placed it back on the platter and remarked, “Oh what a shame, I guess I’ll have to go back to the kitchen to get the other one”.
Mrs. Smith is my hero.
