I don't go home for Thanksgiving.
It's not that I don't love my dad or that I don't want to see him, I do.
I just want to be alone.
My mom loved holidays, so I think that he's reminded of her even more at this time of year.
Even though my parents had been long divorced, when my mom died, it was like losing her all over again for my dad.
I call Phil, my step-dad and wish him a happy Thanksgiving as well.
He sounds better and better each time I talk to him.
Like he's healing.
I don't think I ever will be able to.
While everyone is awake ridiculously early in the morning on Black Friday to shop, I'm awake ridiculously early to bake.
The bakery is in a little shopping center, so this time of year is good for business.
Mrs. Newton and I are both there making batter and dough for cupcakes and cookies.
There's a steady flow of people coming through the bakery all day.
It feels good to be busy and to focus on what I have to do.
By the time I get home, I'm too exhausted to do much more than sleep.