A Covid-19 Thanksgiving

With the pandemic showing an aggressive upswing, we still don’t feel comfortable being around people. After finding out that everyone in my family was facing a similar problem of being alone for Thanksgiving, my wife and I decided to host a virtual, video-conferenced dinner. So, we coordinated everyone’s schedules, sent them the invite, cooked a modest meal for two and a half, and logged on.

One by one, the little video boxes popped up as people joined the meeting. Everyone had something different on the menu, some didn’t eat at all. But we were all “together” for the holiday, and that was something.

My older brother, the least concerned about the coronavirus, shared stories and pictures about his recent trip to Yellowstone and Colorado for his 20th anniversary. My younger brother and his wife shared stories about their son, Declan, who also made his presence known during the dinner by showing everyone what he was eating before every bite full. But Troy was the star of the show. From the first moment that he saw all of these “new” people at the dinner table, he was on stage. First, he was curiously watching and talking to each person. Then, he was showing off his words and sound effects. Then, he wanted down, so he could randomly grab items out of the kitchen drawers and show them to the camera. At one point, he was sitting on the table, instructing everyone in the proper use of an oven mitt!

It wasn’t perfect, no hugs or handshakes, but it was close to a normal Thanksgiving with family. It was the first time we’d all been together like that in years. And I’m thankful that we had the time with each other.

And then slowly, slowly the food was all eaten and people started to log off, until all that was left was the three of us and a table full of dirty dishes. And the reality of the coronavirus, and being isolated, which had been forgotten for a couple hours, came crashing back in. And we went back to our “normal” life.