I stopped at bar last night after work and the man next to me struck up a conversation. He told me he wanted to go to his Mother’s for Thanksgiving dinner but because of family drama, he was going to skip it. I told him his Mom would be disappointed if he didn’t go. I suggested he tell her he can’t make it to dinner, but would stop over later and have pumpkin pie with her. He said he liked my idea and might do that.

I think there is to much emphasis on the idea of the meal bringing everyone together to be happy. That is not always the case. And while you shouldn’t let others keep you from visiting with family, I understand how you don’t know if others will take the opportunity to stir the pot. I don’t know what this man’s family drama was, who started it, or why it was continuing. That is not my business nor does it matter. A short visit with his Mom would make her happy and mean a lot to her in the long run.