I was planning on a small quiet Thanksgiving dinner. Plans have a way of changing. Two days before the turkey went in the oven, Robert called to say he had gotten leave. He asked if a friend could come along, and I said, “The more, the merrier.” So he brought three of his battle buddies home. They had planned to show up on Thanksgiving and leave Friday morning. Like I said earlier, plans change. They arrived Wednesday evening and headed back Sunday morning.

I’m glad everyone helped out with the cooking. Mom brought mashed potatoes, yams and stuffing. Dad and Pat brought a relish plate, green b...