Our Family Talent Show

Every Thanksgiving, after dinner, my family holds a talent show in my aunt's living room. It's been happening since 1994. Participation is mandatory.

The talents vary. My uncle plays "Amazing Grace" on a hand saw. My cousin does a magic trick that never works. My grandmother recites a poem about a cow she learned in 1942. The kids perform choreographed dances to whatever song is popular that year, usually with costumes made from my aunt's curtains.

This year, my father, who has refused to participate for twenty-four years, stood up and did a perfect Elvis impression. The room went silent in shock, then exploded. My grandmother laughed so hard she had to be helped to the bathroom.

There's a trophy, a spray-painted gold bowling pin. My dad won it. He's put it on his mantel and won't stop talking about it.