The Turkey Lady

A Story on the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

The Turkey Lady

1.

It all started a few weeks before Thanksgiving in 1987. Her cart near overflowing with pumpkin puree, frozen cranberries, piecrusts, cool-whip…everything one desires at a Thanksgiving feast. Her twenty-pound turkey resting in the fold out section of the cart meant for tiny children.

She watched the price slowly rise with the scan of each item. Thoughts of the pleasure of preparing and serving her meal, and the company of family and friends easing the psychological tension on her wallet.

"Where's your second turkey ma'am?" The clerk asked.

Confused, she stared back blankly. For a second she thought he might be attempting some sort of joke. Mocking her overflowing cart. But no, his face was serious, sincere even. He sensed her confusion and came to her aide.

"You spent over $100. You get a free turkey." He pointed to the sign advertising the promotion, as if without written proof she would not take him at his word.

"What am I going to do with a second turkey?" She asked.

The clerk simply shrugged. "You want it or not?"

Impatience was beginning to color his words as the line at his register began to grow. Aware of the many shoppers silently pleading for her to move along, she nodded affirmatively. The bagger was sent to retrieve the free seven-pound turkey while the clerk continued loading her cart.

As she drove home the thoughts of this unwanted, unneeded seven pounds of poultry occupied her thoughts entirely. The obvious options where to cook it now, sort of a precursor to the upcoming holiday. But then, with only two weeks to go, that would only spoil the enjoyment of the true bird presented in its iconic fashion. She could freeze it. Saving it for Christmas. But the thought of freezer burn setting in and drying out the succulent meat was too much for even an amateur chef.