Our Shared Path
A Brisket Memory: Cheers to the Missing Seat at the Table
My husband and I recently traveled to Austin for a wedding, and while out walking around downtown we passed a sign that made us stop, laugh, and take a picture. Not because we were suddenly craving brisket for Thanksgiving—but because it instantly brought back memories of his dad, who passed away about four years ago.
Here’s the backstory.
When we were newly married—maybe two years—we were living in San Diego, and his parents came to visit for Thanksgiving. I was just learning to cook, and the idea of preparing a full turkey dinner for my new in-laws felt like being thrown into the culinary Olympics. My husband had found a brisket recipe he wanted to try, and I knew how to make baked potatoes… so voilà, Thanksgiving dinner was planned. The dinner and visit was nice but there was a little...after taste.
Every year after that, right before Thanksgiving, my father-in-law would call and ask whether brisket or some other “non-Turkey meat” would be on the menu. At first, I took it personally. But eventually I realized this was his love language: gentle teasing. If he didn’t like you, he barely talked to you. If he did like you, he gave you a hard time. By that standard, I was very, very loved.
Holidays can be full of joy, but they can also tug at our hearts as we remember the people who aren’t here anymore—the ones who used to call, joke, try and help in the kitchen when you didn't want them to, or sneak an slice of pie before dinner.
Today, I am especially grateful for family, friends and for you all! It is an honor to serve the Socorro Community alongside such caring and dedicated education professionals.
Wishing you all a warm and Happy Thanksgiving. And sending an extra bit of love to those of you who, like me, are missing some family members who should still be at the table—laughing, teasing, or helping finish off the pumpkin pie.