Nutty Family Week: The Worst Thanksgiving

It's Nutty Family Week here on my blog where I encourage everyone to share your nutty family story.  As we gather around the table with our families this season, I hope we can all embrace the nuttiness of our families and realize we aren't alone in having to sit next to "Aunt Cray Cray".

Today,. it's my turn to tell "The Worst Thanksgiving".

In 2011, my father had been widowed for nine months, and in that short span engaged three times.  He was a man on the prowl with one goal in site, "Find a wife." I was still heavily grieving the loss of my mom and did not welcome the idea that my Dad was dating.

On Thanksgiving of that year we had invited a few friends and family over to join us for Thanksgiving Dinner.  My Dad, age 78, showed up just in time for dinner and was disappointed by the lack of activity on the online dating site that morning.  He was in a bit of a foul mood until we sat down for dinner.   From across the table he spied my long time bestie, LJP who was telling everyone about how she had just completed the local Turkey Trot.

I could see the wheels spinning in my Dad's head as he was asking LJP questions.  He was mentally checking off the things he required in a new spouse.   "She's fit, she's personable, she is already friends with my daughter, no need to worry about her getting along with my kids."

I sat there mortified, how did I get here?  How does this happen?  My father, age 78 was hitting on my friend who was 30 plus years his younger during Thanksgiving! I was mortified.  My father was beaming and piling on the charm.  In between the meal and dessert my dad pulled me into the kitchen, "Wendy, tell me all about your friend LJP." he said with a twinkle in his eye.   I just looked at him and said, "No, gross!!  She is off limits, you can date everyone but my friends."  He looked disappointed and muttered that I was being unreasonable. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to keep my Dad away from LJP with no luck.My friend LJP is no fool, she could tell what was happening.  LJP loves me, but she also loves to watch me squirm.  As she turned to leave she whispered in my ear, "Oh darling daughter, you can call me Mom or Mommy, either one is just fine by me." Then she cackled heartily as she walked out the door.

The good news is that my Dad remarried and it wasn't to one of my best friends.  Now I can invite him to Thanksgiving without worrying who he will hit on next.  

 I want to hear your nutty family stories!  Post in the comments,  those moments when you realized you were related to nutters.  Tell me that I'm not the only one with a nutty family!