And so it begins for November. Family and Gatherings. If sentimental hogwash isn’t your thing, you may want to skip this month and next! HA HA

Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing

He chastens and hastens his will to make known:

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing

Sing praises to his name, he forgets not his own.

Jim Kirk smiled faintly as he stood outside the old church, listening to the hymn they sang. It brought back many memories. Good ones this time.

He glanced overhead at the sky, fluffy white with clouds. A perfect Earth day.

A short time later he was aware of the service breaking up, so he stood aside as church members exited the church and waited.

It had slowed to a trickle when he saw her. She was frail, very thin and slightly hunched over. But he would recognize her anywhere.

He stepped out. “Gran.”

Her eyes widened and then almost immediately filled with tears. “Jim!”

She practically ran into his open arms as he pulled her close, holding her tight against him as she wept.

“They said you were dead,” she managed to wail out.

“Nah.” He tightened his grip.

After a few minutes of crying she finally pulled back but only a little. Her shaky hands touched his cheeks.

“It is you. I’d know that beautiful face anywhere.”

He laughed. “Of course it’s me.”

‘Gran’ was his dad’s mom. As close as he’d ever get to knowing his dad. As a child he’d spent a few summers with her and even a Christmas. She was his favorite person in the whole universe, really.

He linked his arm with hers. “I’m here for a visit.”

“How long?”

“A week.”

And then Spock appeared, walking toward them.

Gran frowned slightly. “Who is this?”

Spock stopped before them and bowed slightly. “Spock of Vulcan, ma’am.”

“Vulcan.” She nodded. “I’m sorry for the loss of your planet, young man.”

“Thank you.”

She looked from Jim to Spock. “And you are?”

“Jim’s first officer.”

“Hmm. I’d say you’re more than that. My home’s right there.”

And it was. She’d always had a home right next to the church she attended. She liked to walk there.

A few minutes later, she was letting them into her house.

“And here you are at Thanksgiving!” Her eyes lit with joy. “You’ll be staying here of course!”

Jim smiled. “We’d love to.”

“Sharing a room, are you?” She looked pointedly at Spock.

“If convenient.”

She waved her hand. “I’m old enough to have seen everything, young man. If you’re sweet on my Jim, that’s good enough for me.”

Spock’s lips twitched. “I am.”

Gran laughed. “Good. Now we can plan our feast.”

“I’ll cook for us, Gran. You should rest.”

She snorted. “Stuff and nonsense. We’ll cook together.”

“Like old times.”

“Yes.” She took his hand and held it. “George would have been so proud of you.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’m happy if you are. That’s what matters to me.”

She got teary again. “Of course I am. And absolutely thrilled to know you aren’t dead. I’ve lost too many of my boys.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I should have found a way to let you know.”

She sniffed. “You’re here now. And it’s going to be quite the party!”

He laughed, kissed her and hugged her again.

“It sure is.”