It was bound to happen.  Sooner rather than later.  When I broached the subject of Thanksgiving with my two oldest children (20 & 23), a bloated pause preceded throat clearing and deep breaths.  Independent of one another, my oldest son and only daughter told me that they had made plans with their significant others' families this year.  Their voices were even, polite and, I think, even tinged with flickers of sadness.  Without saying as much, they wanted me to understand, and not be hurt.  After all, I know them better than I know myself.

Without missing a beat, I told my daughter, Drew, that Seaside, Florida sounded like an incredible place to spend the holiday.  I told Joshua that spending time with Sally's large extended family in Missouri is going to mean so much to his long-time girlfriend (who one day, may very well be his wife).  And, I meant it all.  It's appropriate.  It's time.  I symbolically loosened another heartstring.

However, as I was patting myself on the back for yet another completed chapter of parenthood, Drew came up with a (loving) plan.  Let's celebrate Thanksgiving early!

And so we are...tomorrow.  All my chickadees, large and small, will be home for Thanksgiving.