The rain finally stopped and the turkey was submerged in the hot oil. Everything came together seamlessly. The meal was incredible. The best part was that there was not a single spat or breakdown. Everyone was calm and happy.

Towards the end of the evening, my father told Lanke the story of my grandparents coming to America. As he told the story, I could see he truly felt every word he uttered. It made me think of the day, years ago, I told my mother that I wanted to move to Germany to be with Heiko. My mother said, “Do you have any clue what your grandparents went through to come to America and you want to go the opposite direction?” At the time, I didn’t get it. I got it today.

Even though the tryptophan is kicking in, I am going up to Lisa’s Loft to watch Girl with the Pearl Earring. I hope it is a good movie.