So many inappropriate jokes with that cover. Alas, I'll keep it thankful! Thanksgiving has never been a big holiday for me. Sure, Moms went out with all the fixings when we were little and/or we went to friends or relatives houses to celebrate. It was always about the meal and the delicious turkey sandwiches after that made it for me. And as I got older, great memories were made here in New York City of having "Orphans Thanksgiving" with my fellow actors whom couldn't go home for the holiday. We'd all get together at someone's apartment and cook for one another.
One Thanksgiving, my sister Marsha and a few others went to Atlantic City and ate at the Caesar's Palace buffet. I had really long hair back then and liked to play jokes about being Cherokee or Sioux. As we bought our buffet tickets, the unsuspecting girl taking our money happily said, "Happy Thanksgiving!" And I, with my long locks down, looked at her sternly and replied. "For YOU it is". Poor thing started to apologize and felt uncomfortable. My sis jumped in and told her I was joking but I got her! Mwhahaha. Yes, I was a turkey jerky. Sorry nice lady at Caesar's!
I even went through an annoying/short lived kind of "anti-Thanksgiving" phase where I would spout off my oh so holier than thou philosophy of "How dare you celebrate the destruction of the proud native people of this land!" I quickly got over that and learned to appreciate the idea of just giving thanks. And with that simple idea...
Is life perfect? Nope. Not by a stretch. But I have so much to be thankful for. The most consistent one is years has been my sister and her family. If you don't know the story, well, I'll just give you quick highlights.
- 1996. I found out I have a sister (Marsha) I didn't know about. (We have the same dad).
- 2000. I found her online.
- After reaching out and finding she lives in New Jersey, only an hour or so away, we started hanging out and became very close very quickly.
- I performed the marriage ceremony of her and her husband Bob as minister at their wedding.
- I am now the proud uncle of two amazing kids. My 5 year old superhero nephew Maximus and my 4 year old miracle niece Chloe. This morning, sis posted a video of Max asking Chloe, "What does a turkey say?" And Chloe replied, "Boggle Boggle!" Heart melted.
My sister is one of the most positive people I know. So great to be around. Tough to have a bad day with her. Those that have seen us together say it's hard to believe we didn't grow up together as we are so alike, supportive, close, etc. She's the best! Even though my dad was super jerky for not telling me about her for 20+ years, I'm glad he finally did. Because she is what I'm most thankful for in my life. She's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. Thanks for being my sister, sis!
Happy Thanksgiving! And BOGGLE BOGGLE!
