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of working. Ryan knew things were bad because Gerry didn't want to participate in Halloween this year. They had always enjoyed it as one of their favorite holidays. That was it, Gerry didn't enjoy anything! " I'm gonna talk to Mom again about Gerry," Ryan resolved to himself.

A few nights later at bedtime, Mandy pitched a new idea to Eli. "Honey, Ryan had an idea and I think it's a good one. So I checked it out today and it's possible. I really want to do this but you have to want to also."

"Oh no, I can't wait to hear this one, me," said Eli with his slight Cajun accent.

"I want for us to adopt Gerald. No, no, let me finish. I know we've had problems with him but I think if he knew he was part of the family and not just here temporarily, he would do better. The boy practically lived here anyway before his father died. All three of our kids agree to this, so won't you say yes?"

Eli was silent, taking a big sigh. He took his time forming an answer. "Mandy, I can't. I can't take on another thing. Why can't you see that? I'll be downstairs."

Eli went downstairs to his small office, his place to get away from the world. One wall held the history of the Carrillioux family, old pictures going back three generations. He sat at the oak desk from his grandfather and his gaze kept focusing on his grandfather's picture on the wall. He unconsciously turned on the radio while thinking about what to do. Music soothed him and he listened.

"Because if your love was all I had in this life, well that would be enough until the end of time," sang Beyonce. "Yeah," he thought, "but I'm not married to you Beyonce." Grandpa seemed to speak to him, "Remember what's important ." As Eli stared at the pictures, he knew what was important. He knew that the blessings of life come through overcoming adversity, being there for the other no matter what. Justin Timberlake agreed, "There's so much darkness in the world, but I seek beauty left in you girl. And what you give me makes me know, that it'll be all right."

Thanksgiving morning dawned as one of those bright, clear, crisp autumn days that are all too infrequent in South Louisiana. Gerald woke up to the clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen. He thought, "I don't want it to be Thanksgiving. What is there to be thankful for?"

There was a hustle and bustle in the house as first Mandy and then Eli called for him to come downstairs. Gerald slowly made his way down the stairs. About halfway down he could see everyone gathered in the family room and there was a sign. "Welcome home!"

Gerald, confused, was led by Mandy to the sofa. With Eli on one side and Mandy on the other, Ryan said to Gerry, "Dude, we've got a kind of surprise but Mom made me promise to let her tell you."

"But first, me, I 'm gonna speak," Eli interrupted. Gerry just sat, dazed but waiting. "This year has been hard. You know it's bad when I can't have a conversation with my wife without an argument.," Eli hesitates and then continues, "But hard times bring a family together. My grandpa used to say, 'Lache pas la patate' which literally means don't let go of the potato. He meant it as don't give up, which has been our way in Cajun country. Now, Mom, it's your turn. J'ai fini."

"Gerald, this Thanksgiving we decided to be thankful. And so we did something to be thankful for," Mandy said as tears welled up, "we all want you to be part of our family, permanently. We be able to truly give thanks if you say yes. Welcome home. Merci beau coup."

Learn more about this author, Jeff Vidrine.
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