Part 52

Sitting at a long table along side Sam and Sarah, and across from her folks and the two little ones, Charlotte could barely contain herself. With all the excitement of being served as if they lived in the 17th century, she was practically bouncing out of her seat.

"Mom," said Sarah in a strained, but hushed voice, "the other people are looking at you. Sit still."

The fact that Sarah was correcting her, made Charlotte laugh causing her to fall off the bench. The only thing that saved her from hitting the floor was she fell against two men sitting at the table behind them.

"Oh, I'm sorry, " she gushed like a school girl. "This is my first time eating like a Pilgrim. Have you done this before?"

The men smiled at each other, helped Charlotte back into her place, and not answering her question, quickly returned to their own conversations with their own families.

"They probably think you're a drunk," whispered Sarah.

Realizing Sarah was the voice of reason, she was a bit more reserved, and cowering like a dog caught with the beef bones from the trash can in its mouth, said, "Sorry."

Until the food arrived, Charlotte sat with her hands in her lap. Was her school girl demeanor because she was in the presence of her parents? They had only been wonderful since arriving. Walking the girls to school. Running out to get take out for last night's dinner. Her dad even went to a meeting with Sam. It had been a while since he had been to one, so under the guise of probably needing a refresher, accompanied his son-in-law. Her mom washed, dried and folded the five loads of whites and colors that had managed to spill out of the laundry room. And now they were at Plymouth Plantation eating like Pilgrims.

First was the bread and butter, followed by turkey and stewed pompion. The turkey was wonderful, but one bite of the pompion and Charlotte thought her whole body, being lead by her digestive tract, was heading for heaven. Attracting the attention of their historic interpreter server, she asked, "What is this?"

"Pompion, mamam."

"What is pompion?"

"It is a vegetable that grows well here. Maybe you've seen it out in our fields."

Charlotte had been to Plymouth many times, but never saw a pompion. "You say it grows well here."

"Yes, mamam." Then giving a hint, "It's a large orange flesh. We stew it with a bit of butter, some ginger, salt and vinegar."

"Pumpkin?"

"Some from a foreign land may call it that."

For all she knew pumpkin was only good for pie, and pumpkin pie was not a favorite by a long shot. Given the chance to have pumpkin pie or nothing for dessert, Charlotte would choose nothing, thank you.

The next dish served was a dish taken from the Wompanoag called potage. A maize based dish with spinach and fresh herbs. Looking around at her family, Charlotte saw she wasn't the only member truly enjoying these very traditional foods. Catching the eye of their interpreter, she asked, "Is there anyway we can get these recipes?"

"I believe there is a book available mamam."

Lovie piped up, "You have to get it. I love this stuff."

With food dripping down her fingers, Jenny nodded her agreement.

And they would, since Lovie was such a picky eater. It would be a pleasure to serve something nutritious that she would actually eat willingly.

For dessert there was Indian Pudding, a pudding based upon corn meal and molasses. "We have to have this too," added Sarah. Who obviously had shared her sister's enthusiasm for the meal.

At the end of the meal, the Panchots waddled through the gift store in search of the cookbook. "Here it is Mom," shouted Jenny. The book in hand they slowly walked back to her parents mobile home. And as they head home on Route 3, the sun setting on another different but perfect Thanksgiving, Charlotte said, "Thanks, Mom and Dad. This was perfect."

Her mom just smiled and said, "Things always work out in the end."

Charlotte nodded, and despite this not being the end, was happy for some peace and happiness. On this Thanksgiving she was thankful for the tiny baby that surprised them all, for it brought her parents across the country, and gave them a Thanksgiving that was out of the ordinarily special. Maybe it was a sign...

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