“We are only having your sister’s family this year!” Mom texted. I typed back: “Have a good time.” When I refused to invite them to a grand Thanksgiving party at my house, my father broke my window and grabbed me by the throat, saying, “You think you’re better than us?” My sister had kicked me in the ribs, adding, “Some people just need to remember their place.” But…

Frank, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Mike.

my cousins Jennifer, David, and Marcus with their families. Uncle Paul and Aunt Linda, my mother’s brother and sister-in-law who had been married for 35 years. Even my grandmother’s sister, great aunt Dorothy, who was 87 and still sharp as attack. Every single one of them said yes. I hired a catering company that specialized continue reading …