From the age of 16 until about a year and a half ago, I worked either full time or part time in the restaurant industry. I took a sabbatical from the profession since I had a full time job and a second full time job as a dad since 2011. Nonetheless, tonight was always a night of greatness in my restaurant recollection.

Pies. Lots of pies. 

The smell of turkey roasting in the oven in the restaurant kitchen. 

Setting tables up for reservations.. Making certain enough seating was available..

The magical ‘setup’ hours were fun times, in my memory.

Not like Mother’s Day. I despised worked Mother’s Day for a number of reasons–not because I hate Mother’s Day itself but more because I can’t stand the notion that so many kids see their moms once a year and their choice on that productive day is to take Mother to a busy restaurant with bad service and cold food. How lame.

But Thanksgiving? I always loved waiting tables on Thanksgiving. There was something fun about it.. something ‘holidayish’.. 

I am jealous of those who get to smell the wafting aroma of pies in restaurant kitchens across the United States tonight.