The day after Thanksgiving, we go to Cost Co. Reason: The turkeys go on clearance. The price goes from $.90 a pound to about $.50 a pound. Yup, picked up an 18 pounder for $9. Went home and tossed it in the freezer.
Several weeks passed and a group of our friends were all in town and free. We quickly thought party, our home and TURKEY! All agreed. Friends volunteered to bring dishes to make evening complete.
I like stuffing my turkey. Our family has several recipes. Maggie, my wife, reminded me that a few of our guests are gluten intolerant. No worries, we can use gluten free stuffing. We went to a “specialty” grocer that caters to a variety of diets. I started searching. Up and down the aisles. Nothing. So, I went to a person stocking the shelf and inquired about bagged stuffing.
“Yes, they move things around often. But I think…. Follow me.”
We went through one aisle, I was sure I overlooked the stuffing… but no. He wasn’t fazed. Smiling he pointed to another part of the store. Off we went. Nothing. He seemed perplexed. At that moment his “Boss” appeared. He asked about bagged stuffing.
She looked at him. Her face soured. She then “glares” at me and states in a snarly voice:
“We only sell stuffing before Thanksgiving.”
Wow, I thought: What does she do for stuffed pork chops?
I smiled and thanked her and the clerk. But my last thought got me thinking. What is the main ingredient in stuffing? Bread! So, I walked over to the frozen bread area and bought a gluten free loaf.
Now it is easier to buy a bag of stuffing and go from there. But, the advantage of doing it yourself is that you get to determine the seasonings and other additions. Maggie did a fabulous job. Bottom line: The turkey was amazing. (Maggie basted it a lot.) and the evening was a success.
The lessons I took away:
· Thrilled that I didn’t take up the supervisor’s attitude. I know that would affect the celebration with our friends.
· I could hear myself saying stupid things like, “Sorry, no stuffing. That can only be served at Thanksgiving. Deal with it.”
Pondering what she would do with stuffed pork chops. It took me from a negative reaction of her glare to a positive “Ah Ha” moment of drying out a loaf of bread and moving on:
· Realizing that stuffing is important, but celebrating and being with friends is more important.
· Seeing that it was not “All about the stuffing.” There were so many other treats before, during, and after the main meal.
· Being flexible and accepting things as they happen. The conversations were filled with personal updates (both good and bad), laughter, and comradery.
It is amazing that a simple task of stuffing took me through many life lessons. During the New Year, many of us look to “resolutions.” Mine is to see how simple events can assist with staying in the present and being a “bit” more compassionate.
Author: John Murphy – johnmurphy901@gmail.com