The Meaning of Thanksgiving
(Through the eyes of a child)
This story will be a stand-alone one-shot in my Emma and Eli universe, sharing how Emma wants to celebrate the Thanksgiving day holiday. The timeline is November 2024, just a few weeks before the anticipated birth of Rick and Kate's 3rd child, PJ. Kate is on bed rest, and with her attentive husband always watching her, she can usually only move between their bedroom, the en-suite, and the overstuffed couch in their living room.
Setting the stage …
It's the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and Emma is having one of her special play dates with her Grandad. Usually, the duo play games, read stories, bake, or watch some of Emma's favorite movies, but today there is a much different feeling in the air. Emma has been extremely quiet since Jim picked her up earlier in the morning.
On the way back to Jim's apartment, the two stopped to enjoy breakfast at Sarge's, one of the eateries Jim and Kate have patronized for years, and now it has become one of Jim's youngest granddaughter's favorite hangouts when she has her special times with her Grandad.
Emma was very polite and greeted their favorite waitress, Elsie, but she wasn't quite as exuberant as she usually is when she and her Grandad come to the Deli. Emma wasn't participating or initiating any conversation, and Jim had to pull teeth to get the young girl to respond to his inquiries about her week at school. He had been sure she would be overly excited about having an extended Thanksgiving holiday, but that wasn't the case.
Jim knew something was up when Emma failed to order her favorite breakfast of eggs benedict. One of the first times they had come to the Deli, Emma wanted to order the unique dish insisting it was a big girl meal. And since she was now eight years old, it had become her traditional breakfast fare. Today she had just ordered a waffle, which caused Elsie to share a look with Jim, showing her concern about the demeanor of one of her favorite deli guests. But Jim shrugged his shoulders and requested his usual order.
After Elsie had left to take their orders back to the kitchen, Jim again tried to bring Emma into some form of a conversation. He knew his granddaughter well enough to sense that whatever was bothering her was extremely important, and the Deli wasn't the place to push to learn what was so upsetting for the young girl. So Jim continued talking, telling Emma stories about times he and Katie had visited the Deli and was finally able to solicit a few smiles from his granddaughter, but nothing more.
After paying their bill and thanking Elsie for the excellent service, Jim and Emma returned to Jim's car and headed to his apartment. Once they were inside Jim's apartment, he asked if Emma would like some juice, and she shook her head no and went to sit on the couch. Jim watched his granddaughter for a few minutes, then went into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee for himself; then, he returned to the living room and sat next to Emma. He slid his arm around her small shoulders, and in a calming tone that he always has with his grandchildren, he again asked,
"Bug, can you tell Grandad what has you so sad?"
Emma threw herself into Jim's arms and began to sob. Jim was almost frightened. He had no idea what was causing this much distress for his youngest granddaughter. So he sat, holding Emma close until her sobbing slowed, offering her a Kleenex as he continued whispering words of comfort.
After about twenty minutes of sitting quietly together, with Jim gently rubbing Emma's back, he again asked,
"Emma, do you think you can tell me what is bothering you so much that it makes you this sad? Grandad is very concerned, and I will do anything I can to help, but you have to tell me what is going on."
Emma took several deep breaths, then looked up into the comforting eyes of her Grandad, knowing in her heart that what he just said was true. He would do all he could to help her, so she told him about the events that had occurred the day before at school and later that night when she got home.
Friday afternoon, on the playground at Wetherby-Pembridge School and later at the Castle Loft.
Emma and several friends were outside on the playground, and a few began talking about how excited they were for Thanksgiving and all of the plans their families had made for huge meals and lots of fun and games they would be sharing with relatives and family friends. While a trio of girls was talking, Emma noticed two of her younger friends, Cassie and Leah, moving away from the larger group. Once the two had put some distance between themselves and the larger group, they began quietly whispering with sad looks on their faces.
Emma excused herself from her trio of friends and walked over to talk to Cassie and Leah. As Emma got closer, the two young girls stopped talking and looked at Emma before Leah bowed her head so Emma couldn't see her expression. Emma was like Alexis in many ways, wise beyond her years, and even at eight years old, she knew something dire was wrong with her two friends.
She stood quietly with the two girls, waiting for Leah to look up, and when she did, Emma saw tear streaks on Leah's face and gently asked,
"Hey, is something wrong? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Both young girls like Emma. She is always nice to them. The other girls are okay, but Emma seems different, and Cassie and Leah are more comfortable with Emma. The two younger friends share a look, with Leah nodding to Cassie.
Having received permission from Leah to share her story, Cassie told Emma that listening to the other girls talking about their plans for Thanksgiving had made both girls extremely sad. Cassie continued,
"Leah's Dad just lost his job, and he had to tell his family that they didn't have enough money to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. He feels terrible, but they don't have the extra money to celebrate the holiday right now."
After Cassie shared Leah's situation, she, too, began to cry. Leah automatically came to her side, slid her arm around her, and shared,
"Cassie's family has the same issues as ours. Her Mom has been very sick and was in and out of the hospital for the past several weeks, and her Daddy told her and her brother that they wouldn't be able to have their usual meal with their extended family this year."
After both girls could talk without crying, Cassie explained,
"Hearing the others talking about their holiday plans was hard to listen to and made us both very sad. We know they didn't mean to hurt our feelings, but knowing neither of us will have a very Happy Thanksgiving made it hard to stand and listen to their stories."
Emma wasn't sure what to say, but she reached out, and the three young friends shared a special hug just before the bell sounded, indicating they needed to return to their classrooms. The three young children walked hand-in-hand back to the school with heavy hearts. But Emma had a deep-seated need to do something to help her friends.
Emma had arrived home on the bus as usual, and as she entered the Loft, she could hear her parents discussing their plans for the upcoming holiday. After the emotional encounter with her friends, Emma couldn't join in the discussion, so she said she would go to her room and change out of her school uniform.
Rick and Kate were puzzled by Emma's behavior as she always greets her parents when she gets home from school and asks if she can have a snack. Kate's motherly intuition automatically kicks in, but she knows she can't climb the stairs to check on her daughter, so she tells Rick to go and check on their girl.
Rick immediately heads up the stairs to find that Emma has closed her door. He gently knocks and asks,
"Hey, Bug, are you okay?"
He receives a short response of "Yes."
Rick leans his head against the door and continues, "Can I come in?"
"Not right now, Daddy. I am not feeling so good, so I want to lie down for a while. I'll come downstairs later."
Rick is in Papa Bear mode now as he knows something is up with his youngest daughter. But he also knows she is like her Mom, and if he pushes too hard, she'll shut him out, so he says,
"Okay, Emma. But will you let Mama and I know how you feel in a few minutes? I'll go ahead and get dinner going, and we should be able to eat in about an hour. You rest, and I'll come to get you when dinner is ready."
"Thanks, Daddy. I'll be down in a little while," said Emma as she turned and buried her head in her pillow so her Daddy couldn't hear her crying.
Rick stood outside his daughter's room for several moments before turning and walking dejectedly back down the stairs. It always hurt his feelings when his kids wouldn't come to him with their troubles. He cannot help but feel that if Kate had been able to go up and talk with Emma, she might have shared what was on her mind. But since Kate can't make that trek, they will have to wait a while and see if Emma will open up during dinner.
Unfortunately, dinner turned out to be a rather boisterous affair. Since it was Friday evening, both Alexis and Martha came to join the family dinner. Alexis was so excited to have the following two weeks off from College, and Martha had just hired a new young instructor at her acting school and swore this young man would be able to help her bring her school to the top of the acting schools in the city. On the other hand, Emma was relieved that her sister and Gram's enthusiasm took the spotlight off of her. Emma participated in the conversation enough to show that she was engaged in the happenings of her family.
After the family finished their dinner, Alexis and Rick offered to do the dishes, and Kate asked if Emma and Eli wanted to watch a movie with her. She told her younger kids that their Mommy needed some snuggle time with her kids.
First up was the short Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie, followed by a comedy w that had the three Castles laughing soon after the movie began. Emma felt terrible, but she was thankful that in her current condition, her Mama fell asleep part way through the film, and her Daddy had told them he would help their Mommy to bed and come up and tell them goodnight.
Not having seen her siblings for over a week, Alexis offered to help Emma and Eli with their nighttime routine so Rick could stay with Kate.
Emma was again relieved as she knew she could visit with Alexis about other topics and never have to bring up what was troubling her. And Saturday was her day to go with her Grandad, and she knew he would arrive early. So Emma fell asleep, hoping to leave the Loft before her parents could confront her about what was bothering her.
Emma wasn't sure why she couldn't talk with her parents, but they seemed so excited about planning their modified plans for Thanksgiving dinner that she didn't want to wreck their mood.
So Emma told Eli goodnight and talked with Alexis for a few minutes, pleading that she was tired and would talk more later since they were both out of school for a while. Emma and Alexis hugged as Alexis wished Emma a good night, while Emma, again, was thankful that her Grandad would be at the Loft shortly after the crack of dawn.
Back to the present …
Emma finally caught her breath and looked over at her Grandad, who had quietly listened to her story about what brought on her deep feelings of concern for her friends. After Emma finished her story, Jim pulled her close for another tight grandfatherly hug, kissing her head and saying,
"Oh, Bug. That's a heavy load for an eight-year-old to carry all by themselves. How about we go into the kitchen and have a couple of the chocolate chip cookies I made especially for you? And we'll try and make some plans about how we might be able to help your friends and also tell your parents more about how you are feeling?"
Emma returned her Grandad's hug saying, "Grandad, I love you so much. I knew I could talk to you, and you'd understand."
Jim gave his granddaughter another hug, thinking he also needed to assure his granddaughter that she could have spoken with her parents about all of this last night. He'll need to dig deeper and discover why she couldn't share her heart with Rick and Katie. That is so out of character for any of his grandchildren.
After enjoying some cold milk and her Grandad's delicious cookies, Emma got right to the point. "What do you think, Grandad?"
"Emma, I have a few ideas, but first, I want you to explain why you felt you couldn't talk with your Daddy and Mama. You know they love you very much and are always willing and ready to listen and help you kids with any problems you encounter."
"I know, Grandad, but Mama hasn't been thrilled being on bed rest, and she was finally smiling and laughing with Daddy as they were trying to plan how to do Thanksgiving on a smaller scale than usual. I was afraid I would make her sad again, so I decided to wait and talk to you first. Was I wrong, Grandad?"
Jim paused for a few moments watching the facial expressions of his highly sensitive granddaughter, knowing how Katie and Rick would react if they learned the real reason why their daughter didn't feel comfortable about talking to them last night. He may have to think about the best way to approach this topic, as he also doesn't want to do anything to upset his very pregnant daughter.
Jim finally answers his granddaughter's question saying, "No Bug, I don't think you were wrong, but I know your parents love you very much and always want to be there to help you work through any issues that come up for you. So let's put our heads together and do some thinking, and when I take you back home this evening, we can both explain Cassie and Leah's situations to them and let them know the ideas we came up with to help your friends."
Emma vaulted out of her chair and ran to her Grandad, throwing her arms around his neck, saying, "Oh, thank you, Grandad, I knew you would be able to help me."
Jim returned his granddaughter's hug, then stood and got more milk and a couple more cookies, knowing cookies always helped when it came to problem-solving.
After enjoying their snack, Jim grabbed a legal pad from the small desk that sits in the kitchen and led Emma back into the living room to sit down and talk about ideas that he knew had already been churning in his granddaughter's head.
"Okay, Bug. What have you been thinking about, and how do you want your family to celebrate Thanksgiving this year?"
"Grandad, Yes, I have been thinking, and I know what I would like to see us do as a family. But I don't want to upset Mama after she and Daddy did all of their planning," shares Emma.
Jim pulled his granddaughter into another hug before saying, "Bug, you know your parents love you to the moon and back, as your Mama describes it, and I know they would do all they can to help you have a special Thanksgiving this year. So let's put those thoughts aside and work out what you feel and what you would like to do for your friends.
Grandfather and granddaughter sat side by side for a couple of hours, with Emma sharing her heart and her Grandad helping her to put those feelings into words, which wasn't very difficult, that she could communicate later with her parents. Once Jim had helped Emma put her thoughts into a plan, they reviewed the notes Jim had written on the large yellow notepad.
Emma then began sharing more thoughts about her plans for her friends. "Grandad, we have so much more than many other people. Daddy and Mama work hard to provide for us, but many, like my friends, aren't so fortunate. At Thanksgiving, we have mountains of food, and we have a great day playing games, and sometimes Daddy even insists we dress up. And I know Daddy always has a big meal catered for the Precinct, which is neat. But this year, I want us also to help my friends. They have had so many sad things happen, and I want them to be able to have a nice Thanksgiving too. I want us to do more to share the real meaning of the day with my friends and their families. I want us to share our food and maybe even give them some games, so they can also have a special day."
Emma was concentrating, trying to verbalize her thoughts, and hadn't noticed what her Grandad had written on the tablet. When she finally looked at what her grandfather had written, she quickly flashed him a look indicating she didn't understand what he had written down, or in this case, what he didn't write down.
"Grandad, you didn't write down any of my ideas?"
Jim gave his precious granddaughter a smile and hug, saying, "I don't need to write down what you want to tell your parents. Emma, you need to share your heart with them as you have with me. They will completely understand, and I know they will be very proud of you, just like I am."
The two hugged again; this time, Emma was feeling better about her ideas, even though she was still a little apprehensive about causing her parents to change their plans, Though the more she thought about it, they could still have the family meal her parents had planned, and make a little more food for her friends.
Now that Emma had talked with her Grandad about her friends and what she wanted to do for their families, she asked her Grandad if he could take her home a little earlier than they had planned. Again, Jim kissed Emma's forehead, saying,
"Of course, Bug, I had a feeling you might want to go home early. Will you be okay if I stay for a while when you talk with your parents?"
Emma threw herself back into the embrace of her treasured Grandad, feeling so thankful to have him as her grandfather. She knows she can always talk to him about anything, and he will listen and help her work out any problems she may have encountered. She looked up at Jim and said,
"Grandad, I want you to stay. And I want you to know that I love you to the moon and back, too."
Jim had a large lump in his throat as he held his granddaughter close for a few more precious moments.
Saturday afternoon was quiet at the Loft. Since Emma was on a play date with her Grandad, Alexis decided to take Eli out for a while for some long overdue one-on-one time with her young brother. It was rather cold outside, so going to a park was out of the question. But when Alexis mentioned going to Toyland at the Mall, Eli was racing to the hall closet to get his coat. Rick and Kate were laughing at their excited son, with Rick following Eli and helping him to put on his jacket, hat, and gloves.
Alexis and Eli returned to the couch to kiss Kate goodbye, followed by Rick picking up Eli, swinging him around, and peppering his face with kisses, telling him not to have too much fun without his Daddy. After sitting his giggling little boy back down, Rick reached over to hug and kiss his oldest daughter, thanking her for thinking of Eli.
After the departure of their remaining children, Rick and Kate took full advantage of having the Loft to themselves. Well, as much of an advantage as you can experience with your wife being only a few weeks away from her delivery date.
Rick had made fruit smoothies, grabbed another soft blanket and two large pillows, and made a comfortable nest on the couch for the two lovers. Then he scanned his massive DVR until he found the first season of Temptation Lane. Kate laughed at her crazy husband's viewing choice but still snuggled close, sipping her delicious drink as the large screen TV came to life with a program that held many precious memories of past times.
Rick and Kate had dozed off when Rick heard the lock turning in the Loft's door. He checked his watch and knew it was too soon for Alexis and Eli to be back, and his Mother was at an event at her acting school, so that cut the options down to his father-in-law. Rick carefully slipped out of the cocoon he had created for himself and Kate and went to meet Jim and his daughter, afraid that something may have happened. Rick and Kate were still puzzled by Emma's actions the previous evening, and Rick was worried Emma might be having some problems.
As the door opened, Emma was the first through the door and walked directly into Rick's arms. Rick pulled her close, giving her a warm and welcoming hug and kissing her head as he gave his father-in-law a questioning look. Over the years, the two men had developed their silent ways of communicating, so Jim gave his son-in-law a comforting smile and a slight nod indicating things were okay.
The activity at the front door roused Kate from her nap, and when she looked over the back of the couch and saw her Dad and daughter, she immediately said, "Hey, guys, you are back early. Is everything okay?"
Rick released his grip on his daughter, who immediately raced to the couch to greet her Mama. Emma sat next to Kate and wrapped her arms around her Mama, saying, "Everything is okay, Mama; I just wanted to come home early."
Even with Emma saying everything was okay, Kate knew something was up. Her daughter and father had a deep bond, so whenever they had time together, coming home early was not one of their standard options for their day.
Jim took off his coat and hung it in the closet while Rick went over to the couch and helped Emma out of her jacket. Jim bent over and kissed his daughter on her forehead, asking,
"How are you feeling, Katie? I am sorry if we woke you up. How is my new grandchild behaving today?"
Kate laughed and said, "Well, thankfully, he seems to be on our schedule today and was napping too. But now, excuse me, he just shifted."
Rick was immediately at Kate's side to assist her as she attempted to pull herself off the couch and began to follow her toward the bathroom.
Kate turned, giving her husband one of her glares, saying, "I can do this by myself."
Rick laughed and continued trailing behind his wife into their bedroom.
Jim smiled as he watched his daughter and son-in-law before sitting in one of the comfortable overstuffed chairs in the living room.
Emma immediately crawled beside him, leaning her head on his chest and taking a few deep breaths as she prepared to share her Thanksgiving ideas with her parents.
Rick and Kate returned to the living room, seeing Emma snuggled in a chair with her grandfather, with a rather pensive look on her face. Rick helped his wife get comfortable before Kate asked again,
"Emma, is everything really okay? You look worried."
Emma looked at her Grandad, who gave her an encouraging smile as she began twisting her hair, which both Rick and Kate know is a Beckett woman clue that something is up.
The room was quiet for a few more moments before Emma looked at both of her parents and began sharing her story about what had happened at school. After listening as Emma shared her heart, Kate had difficulty holding back her tears, and Rick coughed as he tried to control his emotions.
Knowing everyone was struggling, Jim stepped in. He added, "Emma was having a hard time processing her feelings last evening, but we had an excellent time this morning talking while we enjoyed some milk and chocolate chip cookies. And she has some beautiful thoughts she wants to share with the family.
Emma looked at her Grandad with grateful eyes before she went on to share her Thanksgiving idea with her parents.
"Daddy, Mama, I know you have been planning for our Thanksgiving dinner, trying to pull back a little since Mama has to be on bed rest, so I don't want to mess up your plans, but I want us to do something special for my friends."
Rick and Kate exchanged a quick look, with Rick immediately responding, "Of course, Bug. We'll do whatever you want us to do to help your friends. It makes us sad too to hear how hard it's been for Cassie and Leah's families."
Her Daddy's response strengthened Emma's determination, so she continued,
"Daddy, Mama, we always have so much food and end up with tons of leftovers, and I know you have a big meal also delivered to the Precinct. And this year, I want to make special meals for Cassie, Leah, and their families. I don't want anything catered; I want us to fix the meals ourselves and then deliver them to both families before we have our dinner. "
Kate sensed that Rick was about to push the idea of a catered meal, so she said, "Bug, that is a beautiful idea. I think fixing the meals ourselves will give us all a chance to feel part of the Thanksgiving celebration for Cassie, Leah, and their families."
Kate held out her arms, and Emma immediately moved back to the couch, sitting next to her Mama and feeling the warmth of hugs that only her Mama could give. Emma began to cry again, but they were tears of joy and thankfulness for her fantastic family.
Rick instantly realized how right his wife had been to stop him from encouraging the use of a caterer. He excused himself and went into his office, quickly returning with a notepad, and began,
"Emma, your Mama is so right, as usual."
Kate gives her husband a gentle swat on his thigh, smiling as she answers, "Of course I was right."
Jim laughs again and says, "Okay, kids, can we get down to business here?"
Rick coughs and says, "Sorry, Emma. Should we work on a menu for the meals for your friends?"
Discussions continue with Emma asking her Mama if she will tell her how to fix her incredible dressing, and Jim offers to make his traditional corn casserole. Rick adds that he will roast a turkey and ham for both families, and Kate chimes in, suggesting they can bake homemade rolls so the families can enjoy leftovers, just like the Castles.
Rick continues by adding that he knows Alexis will be thrilled to make some of her special pies, and they can also ask Martha to help with relish trays. After about twenty minutes, the menus are complete, and Rick is thinking about the best way to prepare all three meals on Thanksgiving Day morning.
Emma continues her ideas, "Daddy, I want to go grocery shopping with you when you get all of the ingredients for our meals."
"Emma, I would love it if you would go with me, and maybe you can even pick out some special treats that Cassie and Leah would like. How about this idea? You, your Grandad, and I will do the grocery shopping, and I will see if Grams or Alexis can come over and keep Mama and Eli company while we go shopping?"
Emma claps her hands together, with all signs of tears gone, as she looks around the room, feeling blessed to have such a wonderful family and thrilled that she will be able to help brighten the lives of her friends.
As Emma, her parents, and Grandad are wrapping up plans for their special Thanksgiving, Alexis and Eli return from their play date and are confused by the scene that greets them. Rick soon brings Alexis up to speed, with his oldest daughter happily agreeing to prepare enough pies for Emma's friends and their own family.
Not wanting to be left out, Eli asks, "Daddy, canz I be yous whittle sous chef and helpz makes food for Em's friends?"
Rick smiles as he picks up his young son, kissing him on the cheek and getting a sweet hug, as he replies, "Of course, Tiger, I always love it when my little sous chef helps me cook. You may also be able to help Mommy as she tells us how to make some of her favorite treats, like her delicious stuffing. Can you do that for me?"
Eli looks at his Mommy, sees her big smile, and says, "Sure, Daddy, I canz also help Mommy wit what she needs for her stuffin."
Early Thanksgiving morning, the Castle family is in the kitchen, preparing meals for Emma's friends alongside their own. Rick's timing was excellent, and the final dishes came out of the ovens at 11:30 am. Jim had insisted on buying several heavy-duty insulated travel containers and was happily helping Rick pack up their food treasures.
Unbeknownst to Emma, Rick and Kate had spoken and included two generous grocery gift cards in each basket. Homemade bread, jelly, jams, and peanut butter were included, along with a few games Emma had selected for her friends. Rick had found a source for tableware that was as strong as regular plates and cups, so Alexis helped organize all table service items and cutlery in divided containers that Jim had found for all the non-food items.
Using one of Eduardo's luggage carts, the family loaded the food containers into the Tahoe with Rick, Jim, Alexis, Emma, and Eli acting as the delivery elves. Martha had agreed to stay with a somewhat disappointed Kate, who wanted nothing more than to join in the opportunity to deliver Emma's thoughtful gifts, but knowing she needed to stay home and safe with little PJ.
The food elves' first stop was at Cassie's home. Holding Eli's hand, Emma led her family as they carefully carried the food gifts to the front door.
Emma knocked on the door, and then she and Eli stepped back as Cassie's Dad, Peter, answered the door, saying, "Well, hi Emma, this is certainly a big surprise. How can I help you?"
Hearing her friend's name, Cassie rushes to the door and slides to a dead stop when she sees all the people standing on her front steps holding various sizes of containers.
Emma says, 'Happy Thanksgiving, Cassie."
Rick smiles at Cassie's Dad and says, "This was all Emma's idea. Happy Thanksgiving."
When she realized what was happening, Merilee, Cassie's Mom, had also come to the door, throwing her hands over her mouth. She immediately began crying as Peter stepped back, allowing Cassie's friends to enter their home. Cassie leads the way to their kitchen with Emma alongside her as Rick explains how the food had been packed, sharing that everything should be here so they can enjoy their meal whenever it works for them.
Peter pulled his wife to his side, both overwhelmed by what was unfolding in their home. Cassie's younger brother walked into the kitchen, going directly to his parents and asking what was happening.
Before anyone could answer, Emma, said, "Happy Thanksgiving, Elliott."
Emma and Cassie shared tight hugs as Emma said something only Cassie could hear. Cassie nodded, giving Emma another tight hug as she began crying before saying,
"Emma, this is unbelievable. I can't believe everything you brought us but thank you so much. Thank you, everyone."
Eli went to stand by his Daddy, slipping his little hand into his father's larger one, and quietly asked, "Daddy, why is ever buddy crying? Don't they like our gifts?"
Rick leaned down, picked up his son, and whispered, "Eli, they are crying because they are happy. People often do that when someone does something they weren't expecting for them."
Eli looks at his Daddy for a few moments before innocently saying, "So, Daddy, dis was a happy ting we did for Em's friends?" Before Rick could respond, Eli continued, "Dis is so neat. We needs to do it againz."
Rick again hugged his son, realizing that all his children have such tender hearts, and answered, "Yes, Tiger, we will be doing this again."
Rick, Jim, Alexis, and Eli also accept hugs and many thank yous from the family as they excuse themselves, wishing this family a very special Thanksgiving.
Rick, Alexis, Jim, and Eli return to the SUV, allowing Emma a few more private moments with her friend.
Once everyone is back in the car, the group heads to Emma's other friend's home, where a similar scene occurs with Leah and her family. Hugs and thank yous continue with Leah pulling Emma into their living room, also crying as she personally thanks her friend for making this the best Thanksgiving they have ever experienced.
The ride back to the Loft is quiet as all the occupants process their feelings for what they just experienced.
Back home, Kate and Martha are anxiously waiting to hear all the details surrounding the special deliveries.
Emma excuses herself and asks if she can go to her room for a few moments.
Eli sensed Emma's silence and followed her to her room, where he climbed up next to her, asking, 'Em, is youz okay?"
Emma hugged her little brother and attempted to explain her feelings about this Thanksgiving in a way Eli could understand.
Emma and Eli share a special bond, and soon the two siblings are holding one another as Eli says, "Em, this be so nice. I love you!"
Rick had been standing outside the bedroom door, concerned about his daughter, and overheard the conversation between his two middle children. He, too, was struggling to control his emotions as they shared what they feel is the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Rick soundlessly slipped back downstairs and immediately went to Kate, pulling her into a tight hug as he said, "Kate, we have so much to be thankful for."
Kate returned her husband's emotional hug and answered, Yes, I know, Babe."
The Castle family, including their Grandparents, enjoyed one of the most meaningful Thanksgiving celebrations they have ever experienced, all because of the tender heart of their youngest daughter.
A/Ns - Thank you for reading this little Castle tale, and I hope it brings a little joy to your holiday. For those who celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Everyone, please take care and stay safe.
Thoughts and reviews are greatly appreciated.